# SunAuto ## SunAuto WordPress Platform Modernization ### Engineering-first WordPress modernization focused on maintainability, governance, and long-term platform evolution. Get Project Summarize this page with AI [](https://chat.openai.com/?q=Summarize%20this%20page%20for%20me%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtoproject.com%2Fprojects%2Fsunauto-wordpress-modernization "Summarize this page with ChatGPT")[](https://claude.ai/new?q=Summarize%20this%20page%20for%20me%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtoproject.com%2Fprojects%2Fsunauto-wordpress-modernization "Summarize this page with Claude")[](https://www.google.com/search?udm=50&q=Summarize%20this%20page%20for%20me%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtoproject.com%2Fprojects%2Fsunauto-wordpress-modernization "Summarize this page with Gemini")[](https://x.com/i/grok?text=Summarize%20this%20page%20for%20me%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtoproject.com%2Fprojects%2Fsunauto-wordpress-modernization "Summarize this page with Grok")[](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/new?q=Summarize%20this%20page%20for%20me%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathtoproject.com%2Fprojects%2Fsunauto-wordpress-modernization "Summarize this page with Perplexity") SunAuto (Sun Auto Tire & Service, Inc.) partnered with PathToProject for an engineering-first WordPress modernization initiative focused on maintainability, governance, and long-term platform evolution. PathToProject approached the engagement as a modernization initiative rather than a traditional website project. The focus was placed on reusable architecture, structured content management, governance, deployment consistency, and engineering practices that reduce long-term technical debt while improving development efficiency. The resulting platform combines WordPress, Twig-based templating, ACF-driven content components, and standardized development workflows to create a scalable and maintainable foundation that can support future enhancements, integrations, and modernization initiatives. This project demonstrates how thoughtful platform engineering can help organizations improve delivery quality, reduce operational friction, and create a sustainable path for long-term platform evolution. #### Technologies ##### WordPress ##### Bedrock ##### Composer ##### PHP ##### Twig ##### Timber ##### ACF ##### ACF Blocks ##### MySQL ##### JavaScript ##### Sass ##### Docker ##### Lando ##### Git ##### Jenkins ##### AWS ##### CloudFront ##### HTMX #### Industry Automotive Services #### Delivery Model Platform Modernization & Ongoing Engineering Partnership #### Hosting / Platform * AWS * CloudFront * Serverless * ElasticCache * ElasticSearch * WordPress * Docker #### Key Programs * WordPress Modernization * Platform Engineering * Design System Integration * Reusable Component Architecture * Twig-Based Frontend Architecture * ACF Block Framework * Governance & Maintainability * Deployment Automation * Quality Assurance Automation * Continuous Platform Evolution #### Results * 55+ websites consolidated into a centralized WordPress multisite platform * Google Lighthouse scores improved from approximately 40-60 to 80-90+ * Centralized governance introduced across brands and locations * Reusable Twig and ACF-based component architecture implemented * Standardized development, deployment, and quality-assurance workflows established * Reduced platform fragmentation and long-term maintenance overhead * Created a scalable foundation for future modernization and continuous platform improvement ![SunAuto 1](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--01) ![SunAuto 2](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--02) ![SunAuto 3](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--03) ![SunAuto 4](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--04) ![SunAuto 5](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--05) ![SunAuto 6](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--06) ![SunAuto 7](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--07) ![SunAuto 8](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--08) ![SunAuto 9](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--09) ![SunAuto 10](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--10) ![SunAuto 11](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--11) ![SunAuto 12](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--challenge--12) \[01 / 12\] [Visit site](https://www.sunautoservice.com "SunAuto WordPress Platform Modernization") ## The Challenge SunAuto (Sun Auto Tire & Service, Inc.) needed to modernize an increasingly fragmented digital platform while continuing to support day-to-day business operations across multiple brands and locations. Managing and maintaining more than 55 websites across multiple brands and locations created operational complexity and governance challenges. Platform fragmentation led to inconsistent implementation patterns, varying quality standards, and increased maintenance effort. Legacy implementations and technical debt limited scalability and slowed delivery of new functionality. Performance, reliability, and user experience varied significantly across sites, and development, deployment, and quality-assurance processes required greater standardization to support long-term growth and modernization. ## The Solution ### Centralized WordPress Multisite Platform PathToProject consolidated more than 55 independent websites into a centralized WordPress multisite platform. This provided a common foundation for governance, maintenance, deployment, and future growth while reducing platform fragmentation. ### Reusable Component Architecture A reusable component framework was implemented using Twig templates and ACF-driven content structures. This approach reduced duplication, improved consistency, and accelerated future feature delivery. ### Governance And Standardization Development standards, deployment workflows, and content-management patterns were standardized across the platform. This improved maintainability and reduced operational risk. ### Performance Modernization Performance bottlenecks were identified and addressed through architecture improvements, frontend optimization, and platform-wide best practices. The modernization effort significantly improved Lighthouse performance metrics. ### Scalable Content Operations Structured content models and reusable content components improved editorial flexibility while maintaining consistency across websites and brands. ### Continuous Improvement Foundation The platform was designed to support ongoing modernization, enhancement, and operational improvement rather than requiring future large-scale rebuilds. ## Core Features SunAuto was modernized into a centralized WordPress platform designed for governance, scalability, and long-term maintainability across a multi-location business footprint. ![Feature: Centralized Multisite Management](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--centralized-multisite-management) 1 ### Centralized Multisite Management Unified management of more than 55 websites through a centralized WordPress multisite platform. ![Feature: Reusable ACF Block Framework](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--reusable-acf-block-framework) 2 ### Reusable ACF Block Framework Reusable content blocks enabled consistent content creation while reducing implementation effort. ![Feature: Twig-Based Component System](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--twig-based-component-system) 3 ### Twig-Based Component System Twig templates provided a structured and maintainable presentation layer supporting long-term scalability. ![Feature: Shared Design System](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--shared-design-system) 4 ### Shared Design System Common design and component patterns improved consistency across brands and locations. ![Feature: Governance Framework](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--governance-framework) 5 ### Governance Framework Standardized implementation and content-management practices reduced platform fragmentation. ![Feature: Performance Optimization](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--performance-optimization) 6 ### Performance Optimization Platform-wide improvements helped increase Lighthouse scores from approximately 40-60 to 80-90+. ![Feature: Automated Deployment Workflows](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--automated-deployment-workflows) 7 ### Automated Deployment Workflows Deployment processes were standardized to improve reliability and reduce operational overhead. ![Feature: Scalable Content Architecture](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--scalable-content-architecture) 8 ### Scalable Content Architecture Structured content models enabled future growth without requiring repeated redesigns. ![Feature: Long-Term Maintainability](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_580,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--core-features--long-term-maintainability) 9 ### Long-Term Maintainability Architecture decisions focused on reducing technical debt and improving sustainability over time. ## Implementation Delivery was executed as a modernization program, combining platform assessment, multisite consolidation, reusable component architecture, standardized governance workflows, and performance optimization to create a sustainable engineering foundation. ### Discovery And Platform Assessment Existing websites, implementation patterns, technical debt, and operational risks were analyzed to create a modernization roadmap. ### Multisite Consolidation Strategy A consolidation strategy was developed to migrate and standardize more than 55 websites onto a unified platform. ### Architecture Modernization The platform architecture was redesigned around reusable components, governance principles, and long-term maintainability. ### Component And Content Framework Reusable Twig templates and ACF-driven content structures were implemented to improve consistency and editorial flexibility. ### Quality Assurance Modernization Standardized testing, validation, and release processes improved platform reliability and delivery quality. ### Performance Improvement Program Performance optimization initiatives targeted frontend delivery, architecture efficiency, and overall platform health. ### Deployment Standardization Deployment and operational workflows were standardized to reduce risk and improve predictability. ## Testimonials I've worked closely with Oly on large-scale projects that require close collaboration, attention to detail, and efficient execution. He's been a wonderful partner throughout these projects and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the final outcome exceeds expectations. ![Photo: Amy Sacchetta](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_100,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/testimonial-amy-sacchetta) #### Amy Sacchetta ##### Lead UX/UI Designer ## Business Outcomes SunAuto achieved measurable platform modernization outcomes through consolidation, governance standardization, reusable architecture, and performance improvements that support long-term growth. ![Outcome illustration for 55+ Websites Unified](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--55-websites-unified)\[01\] ### 55+ Websites Unified More than 55 independent websites were consolidated into a centralized WordPress multisite platform, simplifying governance and platform operations. ![Outcome illustration for Lighthouse Scores Improved](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--lighthouse-scores-improved)\[02\] ### Lighthouse Scores Improved Google Lighthouse scores improved from approximately 40-60 to 80-90+, providing a significantly stronger performance baseline. ![Outcome illustration for Stronger Governance](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--stronger-governance)\[03\] ### Stronger Governance Standardized development and content-management practices improved consistency and reduced operational complexity. ![Outcome illustration for Reduced Technical Debt](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--reduced-technical-debt)\[04\] ### Reduced Technical Debt Platform modernization reduced fragmentation and established a more maintainable long-term architecture. ![Outcome illustration for Faster Future Delivery](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--faster-future-delivery)\[05\] ### Faster Future Delivery Reusable components, shared patterns, and centralized management accelerated future platform enhancements. ![Outcome illustration for Foundation For Continuous Modernization](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_540,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-sunauto--outcome--continuous-modernization-foundation)\[06\] ### Foundation For Continuous Modernization The resulting platform supports ongoing growth, modernization, and operational improvement without requiring repeated large-scale rebuilds. ## Used WordPress Services These services align with the WordPress modernization, multisite architecture, governance, and performance goals delivered for SunAuto. [ ### WordPress Platform Modernization Upgrade-ready architecture, WordPress CI/CD and DevOps, and operational hardening Learn More ](/services/wordpress-platform-modernization)[ ### WordPress Multisite Architecture Enterprise WordPress network design for multi-site ecosystems Learn More ](/services/wordpress-multisite-architecture)[ ### Design System Architecture Structured foundations for scalable UI design system architecture Learn More ](/services/design-system-architecture)[ ### WordPress Performance Optimization Caching, delivery tuning, and runtime profiling Learn More ](/services/wordpress-performance-optimization)[ ### WordPress DevOps WordPress CI/CD pipelines and environment standardization Learn More ](/services/wordpress-devops)[ ### WordPress Platform Strategy WordPress platform strategy consulting: architecture principles, governance, and roadmap definition Learn More ](/services/wordpress-platform-strategy)[ ### Enterprise WordPress Architecture WordPress platform architecture design for scalable enterprise platforms Learn More ](/services/enterprise-wordpress-architecture) ## Related Projects Related modernization programs with similar platform engineering and governance outcomes. \[01\] ### [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)United Nations website migration to a unified Drupal DXP](/projects/unccd-united-nations-convention-to-combat-desertification "United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)") [![Project: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-unccd--challenge--01)](/projects/unccd-united-nations-convention-to-combat-desertification "United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)") [Learn More](/projects/unccd-united-nations-convention-to-combat-desertification "Learn More: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)") Industry: International Organization / Environmental Policy Business Need: UNCCD operated four separate websites (two WordPress, two Drupal), leading to inconsistencies in design, content management, and user experience. A unified, scalable solution was needed to support a large-scale CMS migration project and improve efficiency and usability. Challenges & Solution: * Migrating all sites into a single, structured Drupal-based platform (government website Drupal DXP approach). - Implementing Storybook for a design system and consistency, reducing content development costs by 30–40%. - Managing input from 27 stakeholders while maintaining backend stability. - Integrating behavioral tracking, A/B testing, and optimizing performance for strong Google Lighthouse scores. - Converting Adobe InDesign assets into a fully functional web experience. Outcome: The modernization effort resulted in a cohesive, user-friendly, and scalable website, improving content management efficiency and long-term digital sustainability. \[02\] ### [Bayer Radiología LATAMSecure Healthcare Drupal Collaboration Platform](/projects/bayer-radiologia-latam "Bayer Radiología LATAM") [![Project: Bayer Radiología LATAM](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-bayer--challenge--01)](/projects/bayer-radiologia-latam "Bayer Radiología LATAM") [Learn More](/projects/bayer-radiologia-latam "Learn More: Bayer Radiología LATAM") Industry: Healthcare / Medical Imaging Business Need: An advanced healthcare digital platform for LATAM was required to facilitate collaboration among radiology HCPs, distribute company knowledge, refine treatment methods, and streamline workflows. The solution needed secure medical website role-based access restrictions based on user role (HCP / non-HCP) and geographic region. Challenges & Solution: * Multi-level filtering for precise content discovery. - Role-based access control to support different professional needs. - Personalized HCP offices for tailored user experiences. - A structured approach to managing diverse stakeholder expectations. Outcome: The platform enhanced collaboration, streamlined workflows, and empowered radiology professionals with advanced tools to gain insights and optimize patient care. \[03\] ### [AlproHeadless CMS Case Study: Global Consumer Brand Platform (Contentful + Gatsby)](/projects/alpro-headless-cms-platform-for-global-consumer-content "Alpro") [![Project: Alpro](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/w_644,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/project-alpro--challenge--01)](/projects/alpro-headless-cms-platform-for-global-consumer-content "Alpro") [Learn More](/projects/alpro-headless-cms-platform-for-global-consumer-content "Learn More: Alpro") Industry: Food & Beverage / Consumer Goods Business Need: Users were abandoning the website before fully engaging with content due to slow loading times and an overall poor performance experience. Challenges & Solution: * Implemented a fully headless architecture using Gatsby and Contentful. - Eliminated loading delays, enabling fast navigation and filtering. - Optimized performance to ensure a smooth user experience. - Delivered scalable content operations for global marketing teams. Outcome: The updated platform significantly improved speed and usability, resulting in higher user engagement, longer session durations, and increased content exploration. ## Further reading on WordPress platform architecture and governance These articles expand on the architecture and operating-model decisions behind a governed, multi-site WordPress modernization. They cover reference architecture, content and block governance, and the platform controls needed to keep a large estate maintainable over time. [ ![WordPress Reference Architecture for Multi-Brand Platforms](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_1440,h_1080,g_auto/f_auto/q_auto/v1/blog-20260227-wordpress-reference-architecture-for-multi-brand-platforms--cover?_a=BAVMn6ID0) ### WordPress Reference Architecture for Multi-Brand Platforms Feb 27, 2026 ](/blog/20260227-wordpress-reference-architecture-for-multi-brand-platforms) [ ![WordPress Platform Governance: How to Control Plugin Sprawl at Scale](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_1440,h_1080,g_auto/f_auto/q_auto/v1/blog-20260308-wordpress-platform-governance-how-to-control-plugin-sprawl-at-scale--cover?_a=BAVMn6ID0) ### WordPress Platform Governance: How to Control Plugin Sprawl at Scale Mar 8, 2026 ](/blog/20260308-wordpress-platform-governance-how-to-control-plugin-sprawl-at-scale) [ ![Gutenberg Block Governance for Enterprise WordPress: How to Prevent Editorial Freedom from Becoming Template Drift](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_1440,h_1080,g_auto/f_auto/q_auto/v1/blog-20220621-gutenberg-block-governance-for-enterprise-wordpress-platforms--cover?_a=BAVMn6ID0) ### Gutenberg Block Governance for Enterprise WordPress: How to Prevent Editorial Freedom from Becoming Template Drift Jun 21, 2022 ](/blog/20220621-gutenberg-block-governance-for-enterprise-wordpress-platforms) [ ![WordPress Information Architecture for Enterprise Content Platforms](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_1440,h_1080,g_auto/f_auto/q_auto/v1/blog-20260206-wordpress-information-architecture-for-enterprise-content-platforms--cover?_a=BAVMn6ID0) ### WordPress Information Architecture for Enterprise Content Platforms Feb 6, 2026 ](/blog/20260206-wordpress-information-architecture-for-enterprise-content-platforms) [ ![WordPress Maintenance Planning Before Technical Debt Accumulates](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_1440,h_1080,g_auto/f_auto/q_auto/v1/blog-20241017-wordpress-maintenance-planning-before-technical-debt-accumulates--cover?_a=BAVMn6ID0) ### WordPress Maintenance Planning Before Technical Debt Accumulates Oct 17, 2024 ](/blog/20241017-wordpress-maintenance-planning-before-technical-debt-accumulates) ![Oleksiy (Oly) Kalinichenko](https://res.cloudinary.com/dywr7uhyq/image/upload/c_fill,w_200,h_200,g_center,f_avif,q_auto:good/v1/contant--oly) ### Oleksiy (Oly) Kalinichenko #### CTO at PathToProject [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleksiy-kalinichenko/ "LinkedIn: Oleksiy (Oly) Kalinichenko") ### Do you want to start a project? 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