BLACKFOOT — An auto parts retail/wholesale company headquartered in Blackfoot is now under new ownership.

Bill Sponenburgh, president and owner of KAPS Warehouse, Inc., which includes Kirkham Auto Parts stores, recently sold the company to Frank Edwards Co., based in West Valley, Utah.

Sponenburgh, who has owned KAPS since 2000 and worked for the company since 1972, said he felt it was the right time to make the change.

“In today's highly competitive market and unsure economy it was necessary that we grow significantly,” he said, adding that he was contemplating retirement anyway and Frank Edwards was very interested in making a deal. “It’s a great merger of two successful companies.”

Bruce Hart, president of Frank Edwards, agrees.

He said the 90-plus-year-old company was ready to grow, and KAPS provided the perfect addition.

Frank Edwards isn’t planning any significant changes in the future, but does hope to continue growing operations in Idaho, Hart said.

Frank Edwards currently employs roughly 135 people, and KAPS brings another 100 employees to the table.

Sponenburgh said his son, Casey, is staying on with the company and will serve as the vice president of the Idaho operations, so the business will stay somewhat in the family.

KAPS started as a single Kirkham Auto Parts store, opened by Sponenburgh’s father-in-law, Reed Kirkham, in Blackfoot in 1945.

Sponenburgh said additional locations were added over the years, along with KAPS warehouses in Blackfoot and Boise, which serve as distributors for the stores. The company now includes more than a dozen facilities between Driggs and Boise and services many more.

“(Today) the KAPS stores are under several names, Kirkham's being the main name, but also Nordlings in the Magic Valley, Caribou (Auto Parts) in Soda Springs, Smithfield Auto in Smithfield, Utah, and V and M Partsland in Jerome,” Sponenburgh said.

After more than 40 years in the business, Sponenburgh said selling wasn’t an easy decision.

“The most difficult part of selling was dealing with the personal ties I have developed over 41 years with so many friends,” he said. “I have had an awful lot of goodbyes to face. But, I will still be around.”

Sponenburgh said he will continue to offer advice to the company and help where needed in an unofficial capacity.

“It's time for me to get out of my son’s way and watch him lead the Idaho effort. He is very skilled and I am very confident in his abilities, as is the Frank Edwards Company,” he said.

Despite the difficult decision to sell, Sponenburgh said he is looking forward to having a little more time to do other things he enjoys in the future.

“(What’s) next for me? A little more golf, a long chore list, more grandkid time, and travel with my wife,” he said, adding that he plans to also work in some camping and church activities.