Valley Forklift Cuts Red Ribbon on Earlimart Location Boasting New 13,200 Sq. Foot Facility

Media Contact:
Lacey Patrick, Economic Development Office
O: (559) 624-7154, M: (559) 502-0899, LPatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov

 

On Dec. 5, Valley Forklift unveiled its new 13,200 sq. ft. facility located in Earlimart with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held alongside the Tulare County Economic Development Office and the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Gerry Hudson, a Central Valley businessman, founded Wholesale Equipment in 1981 and has been in business for more than 40 years, including through his six Valley Forklift locations. The company covers the entire Central San Joaquin Valley, from mountain range to mountain range, including service to communities between the Sacramento and Bakersfield areas. The direct service area for the new Earlimart location will strengthen the company’s support for the territory stretching from Highway 198 and State Route 99 in Tulare County and nearby Kings County, all the way southward toward Kern County. Valley Forklift supports150 California families, with the company creating nearly 10 jobs through the Earlimart expansion.

“To our loyal customers, your unwavering support has been the cornerstone to our success. Your trust and commitment inspire us every day to strive for excellence and innovate in ways to meet your needs,” said Valley Forklift Branch Manager Jared Casey. “To our potential customers, we welcome you with open arms and understand that choosing where your investment, time and resources are put is a significant decision. We’re excited about the opportunity to earn your trust and show you the exponential value we bring.”

According to Tulare County Board Supervisor Vice Chair and Representative for District 2, Pete Vander Poel, the Earlimart community, along with the greater Tulare County and Central Valley
area, will be greatly impacted by Valley Forklift’s expansion. Forklifts are essential tools in Tulare County's agricultural industry, with fleets seen across citrus packing houses, grape cold storage facilities, and a variety of warehousing operations. By establishing a state-of-the-art forklift service and parts facility, Valley Forklift is making a significant contribution to the region’s economic development.

“Providing business support for our numerous unincorporated communities is a priority for the County’s Economic Development Office’s efforts. What a grand opening in Tulare County signifies is the culmination of the collaboration between business owners and our County teams,” said Michael Washam, ACE, Associate Director of the Tulare County Resource
Management Agency. “When businesses choose to locate in Tulare County, as Valley Forklift has chosen, they can rely on support from the moment they apply for a business
permit to the point of opening the doors to their business.”

This milestone is part of the County’s ongoing efforts through the GROW Tulare County campaign, which aims to support local business growth, enhance quality of life, create jobs, and stimulate increased economic investment across the region.

Valley Forklift is well-equipped to support the evolving needs of local businesses, whether it helps them transition to electric fleets or provide vital customer service to family farms in need of new equipment, according to Tulare County Economic Development Manager Alida Verduzco Silva. This investment in the region is seen as a force multiplier that can attract further investments, helping the entire community grow and thrive.

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Valley Forklift has proudly served the Central Valley for over 40 years, with locations in Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton, Modesto, and Earlimart. Specializing in all material handling needs,
the company offers forklift and tractor sales, rentals, parts, racking, lithium batteries, and expert service. Its skilled mechanics can handle repairs on any forklift make or model. With a newly
expanded 10,500 sq. ft. facility in Teviston/Earlimart, Valley Forklift continues to support Tulare County’s agricultural and industrial sectors. As the business transitions to electric forklifts, it
remains committed to innovation and sustainability. Learn more at www.valleyforklift.com.

The County of Tulare’s Resource Management Agency (RMA) provides essential public services to unincorporated communities and supports eight municipalities efficiently and professionally at the heart of California’s Central Valley. The RMA consists of three branches: Public Works, Fiscal Services, and Economic Development & Planning, all supporting several divisions. GROW Tulare County is an initiative of the County of Tulare’s Economic Development Office. To learn more, please visit www.growtularecounty.org. To contact the team directly, please email EconomicDevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000.

The Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (TKHCC) seeks to promote business development and growth within the Central Valley for the purpose of stimulating regional economic
benefit for business owners and community members. Through its network of Hispanic chambers and business associations, the TKHCC represents the interest of over 10,000 local businesses within Tulare and Kings counties. Learn more by visiting www.mytkhcc.org.