Longtime Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) dealer Northwest Equipment Sales is expanding its footprint with a new Tri-Cities location in Burbank WA.
The dealer’s fourth location will serve one of the fastest growing areas of Washington state that includes the greater Kennewick, Richland and Pasco communities. The new, state-of-the-art facility encompasses 30,000 square feet on 10 acres of land.
“Longtime Mack dealer Northwest Equipment Sales is an excellent example of the ongoing commitment our dealers make to their markets and our customers,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of North American sales and marketing. “Opening a new facility during the current COVID-19 situation was no easy feat, and we are proud that Northwest Equipment Sales was able to make this extensive investment in the brand to better serve Mack customers.”
The facility features four drive-through service bays and an end bay, with the ability to accommodate up to 15 trucks. The dealership currently has eight service technicians and expects to have 18 employees total by the end of the year. It also is offering $250,000 in parts inventory, with plans to increase that amount over the next few months.
“Northwest Equipment Sales is a valuable part of the Volvo Trucks family, and we appreciate its dedication in supporting the success of our customers over the years,” said Jeff Lester, senior vice president of sales at VTNA. “The dealership’s investment in the Tri-Cities area will help to support overall economic growth at a time when it’s needed most.”
The new dealership has eight service technicians and plans to have 18 employees total by the end of 2020. The Tri-Cities location joins Northwest Equipment Sales sites in Twin Falls ID, Boise ID and Hermiston OR. Jim Hibler, founder of Northwest Equipment Sales, first opened a used truck facility in 1981 in Twin Falls. In 1988, he purchased a Mack franchise and expanded to Boise in 1995, followed by Hermiston in 2007.
“We wanted to increase the support for our customers, so the Burbank location was ideal for a new Northwest Equipment Sales dealership,” said Travis Hibler, vice president of sales for Northwest Equipment and son of Jim Hibler. “Through this new dealership, we will expand our coverage area, while delivering the same dedicated sales, service and support our customers have expected since we opened our first Mack franchise in 1988.”
Construction at the Tri-Cities facility began in March 2019, but was suspended March 23, 2020, due to state restrictions as a result of COVID-19. However, the dealership eventually was deemed an essential business by the state, and construction resumed March 31.
“The investment made by Northwest Equipment Sales in this modern facility, advanced service and diagnostics tools and highly trained technicians will provide Volvo Trucks customers with a welcoming and professional state-of-the-art experience,” Lester said.
The Tri-Cities dealership will be open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. Visit nwesales.com for more information.