Stoops plans to expand its facilities along West Thompson Road, near the I-69/I-465 interchange, to provide more parking, a new showroom, and expanded office, and service space.
Indianapolis (Aug. 17, 2023) — Stoops Freightliner-Western Star, Division of Truck Country, a prominent player in the medium and heavy duty truck dealership industry, is proud to announce the successful attainment of Property Tax Abatement approval for their transformative $85 million expansion project in Indianapolis. The expansion project, projected to retain 225 jobs and create 50 new positions, underscores Stoops’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workforce development.
This groundbreaking endeavor marks a significant milestone for both Stoops Freightliner-Western Star and the local community. The project centers around the redevelopment of the former ERMCO facility at 1625 W. Thompson Rd., which had remained vacant since its relocation in 2022. With an investment of $50 million in real property, the facility will undergo a remarkable transformation into a state-of-the-art 215,000-square-foot Regional headquarters and training center.
“We are thrilled to receive the Property Tax Abatement approval for our ambitious expansion project,” said David Shane, Vice President at Stoops Freightliner-Western Star. “This project not only symbolizes our dedication to advancing our industry but also signifies our commitment to the communities we serve. The partnership with Develop Indy and the City of Indianapolis has been invaluable in realizing this vision.”
Stoops’ commitment to sustainability shines through its additional investments. The company is poised to invest $6.5 million in personal property for a solar grid installation in collaboration with AES Indiana. Additionally, a $1 million power generator and a $400,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging station will further solidify their commitment to green initiatives, showcasing their dedication to environmental responsibility.
“Working with mission-minded companies like Stoops and HSI that put a concerted effort into sustainable design choices like integrating solar panels exemplifies our city’s value of fostering innovative public-private partnership,” said Aletha Dunston, Director at Develop Indy. “Stoops’ investment aligns with our goals of fostering economic growth and enhancing the region’s workforce. We are excited to see this project’s positive impact on the local community.”
“Over the past few years I have been able to get to know the team at Stoops Freightliner/Truck Country, and how dedicated they are to our community. From their local state of the art training academy that offers both paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction; to their forwarding thinking approach to sustainable industry practices I am confident Stoops will continue to grow and thrive in Indianapolis. We celebrate the investments of a new regional headquarters and dealership facility here on the Southwest Side of Indianapolis, and with the 50 new employment opportunities we look forward to Stoops continuing to be a national industry leader. “ Joshua Bain, Indianapolis City-County Council, District 20.
A key highlight of the project lies in its commitment to workforce development and inclusivity. In partnership with EmployIndy’s Modern Apprenticeship Program, Stoops’ Inclusivity Plan will allocate 5 percent of the estimated abatement value to fund up to 12 apprenticeships annually throughout the abatement period. This initiative will not only provide valuable career opportunities for the community but will also contribute to the development of skilled technicians in the diesel and EV sectors.
“Our expansion project is more than just a physical transformation; it’s an investment in the future,” emphasized Brian McCoy, President at Stoops. “By dedicating resources to apprenticeship programs, we are ensuring that our industry continues to thrive with a skilled and diverse workforce. This project is a win-win for our company and the local community.”
With Property Tax Abatement approval secured, Stoops Freightliner-Western Star is set to propel its expansion project forward, solidifying its position as a leader in the Freightliner dealership industry. The collaboration between Stoops, Develop Indy, and the City of Indianapolis exemplifies the power of partnership in driving economic growth, sustainability, and innovation. To learn more about this project and connect with development leaders, connect with Develop Indy today at IndyChamber.com/DevelopIndy.
About Develop Indy
Develop Indy attracts and retains business through traditional and non-traditional economic development. We serve as the first stop to navigating the Indy business community, whether a neighborhood resource, local startup, or international firm. Our primary focus is on facilitating long-term investments in competitiveness while ensuring that more residents can connect to economic opportunities. This includes re-orienting existing incentives, introducing new incentives, and building partnerships to help advance community objectives and prioritize inclusivity. Develop Indy in the business of developing a thriving Indianapolis community.
About the Truck Country/McCoy Group
The McCoy Group has a diverse set of businesses ranging from 26 Freightliner heavy/medium duty semi-truck dealerships, 16 John Deere Construction and Forestry dealerships, and a Bulk Transportation division that operates at 51 locations across the United States and Mexico.
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