Caterpillar dealer adds Tennessee location

Caterpillar equipment dealer Thompson Machinery says it has invested $15 million in a new facility in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, near Nashville. “Customer demand for new, used, and rental machines continues to amaze us all,” says Chet Kelley, manager at Thompson. “It’s a testament to the strength of our community and the attractiveness of living in Tennessee.”

The new facility is roughly 10,000 square feet and has been specifically designed for Thompson’s Cat Rental Store operations and retail sales of equipment such as compact track loaders and mini excavators.

“Our customers have been asking for a store in this area for a long time,” states Brandon Cotter, sales representative at Thompson. “It is important for us to be near these vibrant areas, making it easier for our customers to access equipment and parts. Next year, we hope to open a similar store in Murfreesboro. Both locations are part of our long-term growth strategy in the mid-state area.”

Thompson Machinery broke ground on the new store in January 2020, just before the onset of COVID-19-related restrictions. “We did consider pausing construction for a brief period,” says Michael Ray Montgomery, sales representative at Thompson. “But we had faith in our local communities to continue forward. Serving our customers is serving our community.”

In addition to equipment from Caterpillar, other equipment offered will include products made by Genie, JLG, SkyJack boom and scissor lifts and Atlas Copco air compressors and light towers.

A study recently published from the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research estimates the state of Tennessee’s population will grow by over 1 million people the next 20 years, with the mid-state area absorbing most of the growth, according to Thompson Machinery.

“Additional store locations in Thompson’s Station, and hopefully Murfreesboro in the near future, will position us well to help our communities grow," emphasized Chet. “We are also reviewing options for new store locations in the Hendersonville and Gallatin, Tennessee, area and in Oxford, Mississippi.”

Chet Kelley will be the store manager at the new Thompson’s Station location. Machine Sales Representatives will include Michael Ray Montgomery, Brandon Cotter and Roth Nunley. Cat Rental Store sales will be led by Stephen Jolley. The store is expected to open in early September 2020.