Leading Upfitting Franchise Awards 17 Territories This Year, With Existing Franchisees Behind Six of the Deals

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LINE-X, the industry leader in protective coatings and vehicle upfitting for more than 30 years, is having one of its strongest development years. Nine new locations have opened so far in 2026, and two more open this month, bringing the brand to 11 openings so far for the fiscal year. LINE-X has also awarded 17 new franchise territories across the U.S. and Canada.

A Steady Drumbeat of Grand Openings

With nine locations already open this year, LINE-X continues to expand its presence across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South. Openings so far include:

• Roanoke, VA
• South Pittsburgh, PA
• Eastern Panhandle, WV
• La Porte, TX
• Suffolk, VA
• Hamilton County, OH
• Dodgeville, WI
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• North Indianapolis, IN

Grain Valley, MO and College Station, TX, are set to open within the next month, bringing the total to 11 new locations for the year.

“Every opening this year means a new community with access to the upfitting and protection services truck, van, and SUV owners rely on,” said Matt Labuda, President of LINE-X. “What I’m most proud of is how quickly and consistently our franchisees are getting their doors open. That comes from the work our Franchise Support Center has done to make the path from signing to opening day clear, efficient, and repeatable.”

Getting From Signing to Opening, Faster

LINE-X franchisees currently open their locations in an average of 8.4 months from signing. The brand credits its hands-on development support, a two-week fundamentals training program, and national partnerships that simplify key parts of the buildout. These include Reimage and redC for real estate, design, and construction management, and National Branding for exterior signage and shop vehicle wraps.

17 Territories Awarded in 2026

LINE-X’s franchise development momentum shows no signs of slowing. Eleven territories were awarded to new franchisees this year in the following markets:

• Nashville, TN
• Morristown, NJ
• Daytona Beach, FL
• Central Cincinnati, OH
• Apex, NC
• Guelph, ON
• South Houston, TX
• Sanford, NC
• Chandler, AZ
• Mission Viejo, CA
• Sarasota, FL

Existing LINE-X owners signed another six expansion agreements, adding locations in North Cincinnati, OH; Dodgeville, WI; Tampa, FL; Washington County, PA; South Pittsburgh, PA; and Morgantown, WV. Several existing owners expanded their footprints this year, including one franchisee who added three territories across southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

“When so many of the partners joining us this year are people who already own a LINE-X, that tells you everything about the opportunity,” said Hannah Erlenbusch, Vice President of Development at LINE-X. “Our franchisees see the demand in their markets firsthand, and they’re choosing to grow with the brand.That kind of confidence is the strongest endorsement we could ask for.”

Meeting Demand Across Consumer and Commercial Markets

LINE-X’s growth reflects rising demand for vehicle customization, protection, and upfitting among everyday drivers and commercial businesses alike. Beyond its signature spray-on bedliners, LINE-X locations offer a broad range of truck, van, and SUV services, from tonneau covers and towing solutions to accessories and protective coatings. Through LINE-X Fleet Solutions, franchisees also gain access to national fleet programs and partnerships that open commercial revenue streams in their local markets.

LINE-X continues to seek qualified franchise partners in key territories across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about available franchise opportunities, please visit www.LINEXFranchise.com.

About LINE-X:

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., LINE-X LLC (www.LINEX.com) is North America’s leader of spray-on protective coatings and vehicle up-fit services. For over 30 years, LINE-X signature spray-on bed-liners and accessories have provided customers with enhanced surface coatings and professional installation services for their trucks, Jeeps, vans, and SUVs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/line-x-heads-toward-11-new-openings-in-2026-as-franchise-sales-momentum-builds-across-north-america-302895502.html

SOURCE LINE-X