Mission Towing is about to become known across the country and around the world.
The local company is being featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit television show Highway Thru Hell, which is seen in 170 different countries.
It’s a piece of good news for the local company that recently lost so much.
In early August, a major fire destroyed most of the Mission Autobody and Towing building. The company, which has been in business locally for 61 years, is still open for business, but for now only the towing division is operational.
“Since the fire happened, we’ve slowed down. I think a lot of people think we’re out of business. Our phone isn’t ringing so much,” said Jordie Duperon, operating manager.
Duperon’s great grandfather started the company and it has stayed in the family. Duperon said they are planning to rebuild.
He’s hoping the television show will let people know that Mission Towing is still there to help.
He said they are going from a negative to a positive and helping to put Mission on the international map.
When the television show’s producers first approached Duperon, he turned them down. However, this year he said yes.
Being on television was a different experience for Duperon and his crew.
“At first it was kind of different, that’s for sure, to have a microphone and a camera on you. But it doesn’t affect our work at all, if anything it keeps us on our toes.”
The company cover the area of Mission, Agassiz and parts of Hope.
“We basically do the entire north side of the river.”
Duperon said local viewers will see some familiar territory during the company’s first appearance on the show, set for Sept. 29.
“The first episode is Dewdney Mountain, We’re up by Norrish Creek.
“I’m not going to lie to you, at first it was kind of embarrassing. You go somewhere and there’s a camera with you. People are looking at you kind of funny but it kind of becomes part of your day.”
Filming for the series took place last year, before the fire, and Duperon is hoping some positive will come from it.
“I think it will be good for us and the community.