Breaking ground: (From left) Tom Altieri, Midfirst Bank; Matt McPherson, BSI Construction; Don and Mary Carlson, Reliable Forklift Sales; Brian Fracasse, Taylor:Fracasse Architecture

Construction has started on Reliable Forklift's new offices and industrial shop.
A groundbreaking was held last week on the site on 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.

The new building will include a 13,000 sqft. (1,207 sqm) warehouse and repair shop with battery charging stations, four roll-up service bays and 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 sqft. (250 sqm) office building and 4,000 sqft. (371 sqm) 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," says 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 privately held Reliable opened its doors in Phoenix in December 2005, specialsing in the sale, rental and repair of all major forklift brands, including Doosan, Big Joe and JLG.