
Courtesy V&H Construction
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Krystal Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat of Warrensburg broke ground last month on a new facility, located down the road from their current Route 9 space.
Steven Lofgren, a principal of the company, said the new property more than doubles the current space at 4488 Route 9, Warrensburg, and will allow for a larger showroom to better accommodate consumer demand.
“The decision to build a new facility was fueled by our growing business. New vehicle sale volumes have risen over the past few years due to the increasing popularity of the Jeep and Ram brands. Pre-Owned vehicle sales have doubled for us over the past few years as well,” said Lofgren.
The 21,000-square-foot location will include a sales area, a showroom and administrative offices totalling approximately 9,000 square feet, with service and parts departments taking up about 12,000 square feet. Lofgren said the floor plan will align with the specifications of the vehicle manufacturers.
“It is a state-of the-art facility, meeting strict criteria that is placed by the manufacturer. There are separate and exclusive Jeep showrooms adjacent to the Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Fiat combined showroom,” said Lofgren.
“We will be hiring approximately three service technicians and an additional service writer to help with customers. As we move in and get things rolling, there may be a need for more administrative, sales, and auto detail personnel. With the help of the expanded facility we can grow our business and continue to thrive off our stellar reputation,” said Lofgren.
He said V&H Construction of Fort Edward is heading the project, which is expected to be completed by May 1. As with many building projects, the pandemic did provide some labor and product availability challenges, however Lofgren said they are now starting to move past that.
“COVID-19 caused us to delay the start in 2020. Once economic relief from the federal government to unemployed individuals is relaxed, I believe the area will see more jobs being filled. It is challenging finding good employees,” said Lofgren.
“I am very proud of the team we have in place now, approximately 42 employees currently. Our dealership has received the prestigious Customer First Award for Excellence from Chrysler for the last six years in a row. Many of our team members have earned awards from the manufacturer as well, “ said Lofgren.
To learn more visit www.krystalchryslerjeepdodge.net.