The new Western States Caterpillar sales, service and training center opened last summer. The facility was built on 27 acres and encompasses 150,000 square feet, which means there’s plenty of room to continue to grow the business.
The expansion was in the works for a few years, and after a VIP reception on July 12, 2016 that included Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, the new facility hosted its grand opening the following day.
The expansion was a multi-million dollar investment that brought added construction work to the Pocatello/Chubbuck area. Operationally, the company anticipates adding approximately 12 to 15 new Western States jobs. All 115 employees who worked at the previous location on Garrett Way in Pocatello have kept their jobs. They started their first day at the new facility at 8403 S. 5th Ave on June 6, 2016.
Not only will the new facility provide Caterpillar new and used machine sales, parts, service and rentals, but it will also be a hub for component rebuilds for other stores and Cat Dealers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The new center features state-of-the-art technology and equipment that is maximizing efficiency and expanding service.
Western States President Tom Harris told the crowd at the grand opening in July that Caterpillar, which is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, has several dealers in the Pacific Northwest that this facility can be a resource for. The Pocatello location’s close proximity to phosphate mines and the Idaho National Laboratory added to the company’s decision to expand in Southeast Idaho. Tax incentives enacted by Idaho lawmakers also helped to company expand.
“There is really a good economy here,” Harris said at the grand opening.
Western States operated at its Garrett Way location for six decades, and Harris said the new location on South Fifth Avenue promises to be around just as long.
“We’ve over-built this place,” Harris said at the grand opening. “We plan to be here another 60 years.”
To keep jobs and tax revenue within Pocatello city limits, the city annexed the new Western States location in June 2014.
Matt Hunter, CEO of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, said the investment by Western States illustrates the momentum behind the economic development in Southeast Idaho.
“Idaho is leading the nation, and Pocatello and Chubbuck and leading the state,” Hunter said.
Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad cut the ribbon for the new Western States Caterpillar store on July 13, 2016, said the new facility is the product of cooperation between the state, Bannock County, and the cities of Chubbuck and Pocatello.
“For Western States to make this investment, it shows their commitment to the community,” Blad said. “You can’t build a facility like this without that commitment.”
