Exclusive: Shifting Gears for Indy's Tomorrow

Palmer Trucks is celebrating its 55th year as an Indiana-based company with more than 650 employees across its four-state network of full-service Kenworth dealerships, TRP parts stores, body shops, leasing locations and fabrication division. Reaching 55 years and navigating the changes of the world is no easy feat - one that requires teamwork, discipline and focus. Mr. Eldon Palmer, the company's founder, established a set of core values we like to call "The Palmer Roadmap." By living the Roadmap, team members are ultimately the best they can be, treating everyone with honesty, dignity and respect - a simple recipe that has stood the test of time for more than half a century.

For those who have met Jacob Nichols, grandson of Mr. Palmer and third-generation owner, the Palmer Roadmap is a key component to the company's culture and growth. As Director of Corporate Operations, Jacob oversees Palmer Trucks' Human Resources Department, which administers training and development initiatives.

Jacob joined fellow Palmer family members, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, City Councillor La Keisha Jackson and other company executives on July 21 to announce Expansion 2020: Shifting Gears for Indy's Tomorrow - an Indianapolis development initiative providing greater market accessibility with a new, full-service Kenworth dealership and body shop east of Indianapolis, an upgraded Kenworth dealership west of Indianapolis, a diesel technician training center and an enhanced work truck fabrication shop.

Jacob recently shared the company's goals for the Expansion 2020 project, and what the project means for the community-at-large. Here's what he had to say.

What led to the decision to expand with the new facility east of Indianapolis?

After several months of exploring options to grow the business in Indianapolis, known as the Crossroads of America for good reason, we identified the new facility east of Indianapolis to best meet the market’s growing need for truck products and services.

What does the new Kenworth of Indianapolis - East mean for the trucking industry-at-large?

Through this new property, Palmer Trucks will be able to provide more accessible and efficient truck parts, service and body shop offerings. Since this property is designed to meet our industry’s needs, this acquisition enabled the acceleration of a three to four-year project to just three to four months.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected this project and the trucking industry?

In both strong and challenging times, trucks are needed to keep the country moving ahead. We’ve used this time and expansion project to re-examine how we do business in order to ensure we are the best we can be for our customers throughout the next 55 years. This project, combined with advances in technology, will enable us to serve the customer more efficiently than ever.

How will this project benefit the local Indianapolis community?

This project will enable us to grow and develop our team through state-of-the art facilities, educational programs and expanded resources. We’re excited to do our part to help close the skills gap by training and developing the next generation of diesel technicians within this facility.