Interstate Batteries of Southwest Missouri recently honored Malle Service and Tire in Pittsburg, Kansas, for 40 years of outstanding service as an Interstate dealer.

“We felt the Malle family deserved to be recognized not only as a long-time Interstate dealer, but as a community icon too,” said Interstate Distributor John Spillane. “The Malles have serviced Crawford County since 1924 and generations of Pittsburgh residents buy from them because of their recognized consistency in product and service.”

Originally set up as a dealer by Interstate Chairman Norm Miller in the mid-1960s, the full-service station is run today by fourth-generation Malle family members — brothers and co-owners Dennis Malle and Ed Malle.

“My dad and uncle were always interested in selling good product from a company that backed their warranty like Interstate,” recalls Dennis. “There’s cheaper product out there, but Interstate’s service is great and they’ve always stood behind us … that means a lot. We want our customer to receive value for their dollar spent.”

Andrew D. Brosig/The Morning Sun