Palmer Trucks announced Tuesday plans to expand its operations in the Indianapolis area — developing state-of-the-art facilities, increasing service levels to Indiana’s trucking industry and creating up to 220 jobs by 2022.
Company executives were joined by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, the Palmer family, company associates, local customers and Kenworth Truck Company for the announcement.
On June 8, Palmer Trucks closed on a 140,000 sq.-ft. facility at 9704 E. 30th St. in Indianapolis. The new facility, Kenworth of Indianapolis – East, will become home to the company’s diesel technician training center, parts warehouse, body shop, corporate offices and full-service Kenworth dealership. The 3oth St. location also will operate as an extension of the longstanding Kenworth dealership west of Indianapolis, which has been located on Holt Road since 1971, the company says.
The $17 million capital investment project also will feature upgrades to the existing Kenworth dealership on Holt Road, including alterations to accommodate Palmer Power & Truck Equipment – the fabrication, hydraulic power and truck equipment division of Palmer Trucks. Currently located on Thompson Road, Palmer Trucks says Palmer Power & Truck Equipment will be able to increase efficiencies and output within the repurposed and upgraded Holt Road facility alongside Kenworth of Indianapolis – West.
“Despite the pandemic, we have remained safe and operational to serve our customers. Our economy depends upon trucks to keep moving forward, and this expansion project will enable us to keep more trucks on the road, ultimately increasing customers’ truck uptime,” says John Nichols, CEO, Palmer Trucks.
“With homegrown Hoosier companies like Palmer Trucks at the wheel, Indiana will continue to position our state for long-term economic stabilization and growth,” says Gov. Holcomb. “For 55 years, Palmer Trucks has provided quality products and services to customers across the country. Now, the company is growing again in Indiana, expanding its Indianapolis footprint and creating even more career opportunities for Hoosiers.”
Hogsett adds, “Even during a period of historic public health challenges, Indianapolis continues to be one of the best locations in the country to grow companies, engage talent, and connect with a national and even global market. We’re proud to work with Palmer Trucks, the state, and other partners to bring more good-paying jobs to the eastside of Indianapolis.”
Nichols says Palmer Trucks is aware of the project’s contribution not only to the local trucking industry, but also the region and community at large.
“We are here for our customers and community,” he says. “This investment will allow us to better serve the trucking industry for not only the Indianapolis market, but all trucking customers across the region. We’re excited for this opportunity and the positive impact to the Indianapolis community through job creation and skills training.”
Palmer Trucks says work to facilitate this project will begin immediately with the grand opening of the 3oth St. facility expected to take place late fall. Palmer Trucks plans to welcome the community and trucking industry to a 55-year-anniversary celebration at the new facility, as COVID-19 restrictions allow. Safety will be kept top-of-mind throughout the entire process to ensure a seamless process for team members and customers, the company says.
