Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/20/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The local vehicle equipment shop Springfield Auto and Truck Repair has served commercial, emergency and municipal vehicles throughout Western Massachusetts. On Dec. 13, business owner Michael Martone, his family and city leaders celebrated the Springfield Auto’s recent relocation to 797 Berkshire Ave. with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Since opening in 2000, Martone operated his business on Bay Street, selling a variety of equipment for vehicles, including ladder racks, dump and utility bodies, lift gates, toolboxes, step-bars, back racks and lights. All of the store’s equipment derive from well-known brands, like Fisher, Ranger and Adrian Steel.
Martone shared that the former facility came with some limitations. The 3,000-square foot complex was not able to contain all of Springfield Auto and Truck Repair’s equipment indoors. With the business’s new, 12,000-square-foot location, Martone is now able to feature a wider variety of truck equipment and an expansion of his employee base.
“We have a wider variety of truck equipment, parts, accessories and services for fleets of vehicles,” said Martone in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place inside the 797 Berkshire Ave. location. The walls were lined with various truck accessories, which blended into a spacious showroom featuring ample equipment for plows. Martone shared that his business is especially active during the wintertime in assisting with the plowing equipment needs for an assortment of community partners.
Reflecting on the expansion, Martone said his business remained prosperous over the years. He shared that the business maintained most of its activity throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“We did a good job getting through COVID-19 and retaining employees,” said Martone.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Springfield Chief Development Officer Timothy Sheehan and state Reps. Angelo Puppolo and Orlando Ramos joined Martone for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sarno applauded Martone and his business for working as a welcoming partner for public and private entities. He stressed that Springfield Auto and Truck Repair provides quality services to their extensive customer base.
“You’ve just done a great job. You have great quality product, great customer service and all of the top brands,” said Sarno.
Sarno also presented Martone with a proclamation declaring Dec. 13, 2022, as “Springfield Auto and Truck Equipment Day.”
In his remarks, Cocchi highlighted the strong business relationship that he has formed with Martone over the years. The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department utilizes Springfield Auto and Truck Repair for several of their emergency vehicle needs.
“His product is second to none … It’s about safety equipment, so I am providing my men and women with the right tools for the job they do,” said Martone.
Ramos celebrated the expansion of Springfield Auto and Truck Repair amidst the ongoing challenges that business owners face.
“It’s not easy being a business owner these days post COVID-19. A lot of businesses are shutting their doors, but here we are celebrating a business that is growing and expanding,” said Ramos.
Puppolo applauded the transformation Martone spearheaded with his new facility.
“The way it’s been transformed his tremendous,” said Martone.
Ramos and Puppolo also presented Martone a citation from the state delegation.
Martone concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude for the ongoing support his business receives.
“We’re excited to move forward with our new facility here and serve our customers. We will be able to produce a better product and supply our customers with a wider variety of products to get their job done,” said Martone.
Readers can learn more about Springfield Auto and Truck Repair at https://springfieldtruck.com/.