Those in Franklinton have a new source for automotive services: Backwoods 4×4 & Offroad Accessories, which opened June 18.

“Our main focus is on four-wheel drives, on selling and installing lift kits and accessories, but we also do general automotive repair,” owner Anthony Marange said.

Additionally, the business sells wheels and tires for any type of vehicle.

Opening a four-wheel drive-centered business has been a goal of Manange’s for quite a while, he said.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for about 15 years, so I finally took that step,” he said.

A native of the Covington area, Marange is now residing in Franklinton.

“We just love the area,” he said.

For now, Marange and his wife, Cindy, are the only ones working at the shop, but the plan is to add some employees as the business grows, he said. And the outlook for that is good, as the customer response so far has been positive, with a better-than-expected turnout, Marange said.

A grand opening celebration for Backwoods 4×4 has not been held yet, but one is in the works for the end of July, Marange said.

Backwoods 4×4’s business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday. Call 795-3388 for more information.

“We’re just here for the people in Washington Parish, and we want everybody to come,” Marange added. “We’ll do our best to satisfy everybody.”