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.
Learn more about Valley Forklift at: Valley Forklift Of Sacramento | Equipment sales in West Sacramento, CA