ABC launches new Calif. facility

[IMAGE]ABC-2.jpg[/IMAGE]ABC Companies launched its new Costa Mesa, Calif., full service six acre facility, on Tuesday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and luncheon.

President/CEO Dane Cornell was joined by Costa Mesa's Mayor Allan R. Mansoor, John McCray and his family, and Geert Criel, consul general of Belgium. The McCray's were presented with a special plaque by ABC Companies in recognition and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the successful completion of the new ABC facility.

ABC principals, key partners, and sales and marketing staff were also available to network with customers and suppliers.

"You can't supply high-level service without a high level facility," said Cornell, who discussed how his father, Clancy, rounded up a few employees, packed up parts in a U-haul and drove from ABC's facility in Florida to California, stopping along the way to camp and see the Western U.S. "I really felt like I was missing out on something," laughed Cornell.

The facility features indoor bay areas for showcasing new and pre-owned vehicles and over 80 vehicles are kept on the property for sale and consignment. Customer amenities include two furnished customer waiting areas with WIFI internet, satellite TV, guest lockers/restrooms/showers, kitchenette, billiards and ping pong tables, and children's play area. Additionally, West Coast operators will also enjoy a new indoor training facility.

The facility also features 22 service bays delivering a broad range of fleet services, including OEM spec experts, fleet maintenance specialists and factory-trained ASE-certified mechanics and comprehensive transit and coach vehicle care, maintenance and mid-life refurbishment services.

Following the ceremony, Cornell again discussed with Metro Magazine the importance of having a high level facility to be able to support the dynamic range of services the company provides for its West Coast customers, many of which were on hand.

When asked for his outlook for 2010, Cornell said: "In 2009, many operators tightened their belts to help get them through, but we think they'll be spending money again soon. With the 2010 prices increasing slightly, we also expect many operators to pre-buy vehicles by the end of this year for 2010. The rest will just depend on how the economy continues to play out."