VIP Inc., the parent company of the auto parts and service chain, has purchased a building in Auburn for its new headquarters.

VIP Tires and Service, which had been headquartered in Lewiston for 30 years, will move into its new space at 24 Harriman Drive this summer.

“We are thrilled to have purchased this building for our new headquarters,” said John Quirk, president and CEO of VIP Tires and Service, in a release announcing the sale. “We scoured the Lewiston-Auburn area for the right location and this building really delivered what we needed,” noting that the new building will allow the company to better accommodate large gatherings of personnel, such as company-wide meetings and vendor trainings.

The company bought the building, formerly occupied by Patrons Oxford Insurance, for $1.375 million, according to the release.

VIP employs more than 500 people in 56 locations in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire; 45 of those employees will work at the new Auburn facility.

Quirk said one of the advantages of the 15,000-square-foot building is its back-up generator.

“We’re open seven days a week, even during ice storms, and it’s important that we’re able to provide all our stores the IT support they need so they can ensure the best customer experience,” he said.