Fulton Ford, Inc. recently broke ground on a new building that will offer improved services and a larger space to its customers, said owner Chad VanNess.
VanNess said the new building is nearly twice the size as the current facility, increasing the total square footage from 12,000 to 21,000.
The new building will house a service facility with 16 bays and 16 lifts. At the moment, there are 8 lifts so the change will double Fulton Ford's service capacity.
It will also have a quick service center for oil changes and other simple maintenance needs. VanNess said cars will literally go in and out faster due to a new lift that will move twice as fast.
To better service large vehicles in Callaway County, VanNess said truck lifts will be able to hold up to 30,000 pounds.
Customer waiting areas will be more inviting, VanNess added, with comfortable seating, pub tables, refreshment center, play area for children and a flatscreen TV. The women's restroom will be nearly twice the size of the men's and will include a couch - a detail VanNess said was promoted by his wife, Christina, who is also an owner and manager of Fulton Ford.
"We want to make our customers really comfortable," Chad VanNess said.
Improvements also include going green. Changes will allow Fulton Ford to burn the shop's waste oil to heat the entire building.
Customers will also be able to drive into an enclosed serviced station. This is for convenience purposes, especially during inclement weather. There will also be about 300 parking spaces.
VanNess credited the new building and upgrades to community and customer support as well as dedication from Fulton Ford's team members.
Employees will see better amenities as well in the break room with a full kitchenette and air conditioning in the shop.
The VanNess couple collaborated with Ford Trustmark on the design and selected local general contracting company Glove Con for the project.