Construction has officially started on Reliable Forklift’s new offices and industrial shop. A groundbreaking took place yesterday morning on the 3-acre lot located at 2150 East University Drive in Phoenix. Company owners, Don and Mary Carlson purchased the land and existing buildings in January 2015 to expand and relocate its current operations at 3652 E. Chipman Road in Phoenix.
BSI Construction Services is the general contractor for the project with Taylor:Fracasse Architecture Inc. on the design of the 15KSF space. The new building will include a 13,000 square foot warehouse and repair shop with battery charging stations, four roll-up service bays with one on the west side of the structure that includes a truck dock. The space will also include two private offices and a bull pen, an employee break room with kitchen, a locker room, three bathrooms and a large training room to host onsite meetings and training for customers and staff.
The two existing buildings on the property, a 2,700 square foot office building and 4,000 square foot steel industrial shop will undergo an exterior facelift that includes painting, the addition of awnings and covered parking.
“This move is a significant step for Reliable Forklift,” said owner Don Carlson. “Having our own facility will allow us to streamline our operations so we can continue to deliver quality services to our expanding list of customers.”
The entire structure is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) that will be designed, supplied, and erected by BSI’s sister company Bunger Steel Inc. The shop’s interior will have exposed concrete flooring and walls for an industrial look. Reliable Forklift will also be adding extensive landscaping to the property planting trees and foliage along the University Drive entrance.
Construction is targeted for completion by October.
