Palmer Trucks plans to expand operations in the Indianapolis IN area.
The family-owned commercial truck sales, parts and service provider says the expansion will include developing state-of-the-art facilities, increasing service levels to Indiana’s trucking industry and creating up to 220 jobs by 2022.
“With homegrown Hoosier companies like Palmer Trucks at the wheel, Indiana will continue to position our state for long-term economic stabilization and growth,” said Indiana Gov Eric J Holcomb, who joined Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, the Palmer family, company associates, local customers and the Kenworth Truck Company for the recent announcement. “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.”
Palmer said it closed on a 140,000 square-feet facility in Indianapolis on June 8. The new 30th Street facility, Kenworth of Indianapolis-East, will become home to a diesel technician training center, parts warehouse, body shop, corporate offices and full-service Kenworth dealership. The location will operate as an extension of the longstanding Kenworth dealership west of Indianapolis.
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 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,” said John Nichols, chief executive officer of Palmer Trucks. “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.
“We are here for our customers and community. 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.”
Work to facilitate the project will begin immediately, the company said, with the grand opening of the 30th Street facility expected to take place in 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.
Visit palmertrucks.com for more updates in the coming weeks.