The Chicago-based company will be located at 2686 3 Mile Road in Walker. The new operation will bring up to 10 new jobs to the area in the next three years and invest more than $500,000 to launch the new operation, according to an announcement. General Truck Parts also has six other operations located in Dallas; Denver; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Nashville, Tenn.; Portland, Maine; and Rochester, N.Y.
“We knew we could improve service and delivery times with a new operation in Michigan,” said Eric Sjoredsma, general sales manager – Grand Rapids, who oversaw the selection and construction of the new operation in Walker. “We contacted The Right Place and they assisted us in identifying potential locations and connected us to key people to help us open our first operation in Michigan.”
Although there were delays in construction due to the COVID-19 crisis, General Truck Parts & Equipment are expected to open their new storefront, warehouse and remanufacturing facility July 1, 2020.
“The decision to expand in west Michigan reaffirms the region as a place companies can locate to access markets across the entire state,” said Brent Case, vice president of business attraction for economic development firm The Right Place and project lead. “Companies located in Chicago and neighboring states recognize the affordability and many other benefits of expanding in west Michigan and we’re pleased to assist in projects like these.”
Walker City Manager Darrel Schmalzel is also looking forward to the company’s first Michigan operation opening.
“We are pleased to welcome General Truck Parts & Equipment to Walker. We are confident their new location will provide them the opportunity to serve their Michigan clients more effectively,” Schmalzel says.
