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EQUIPRO ‘Constructs’ Franchise Opportunity, Fills Niche in Light Construction Equipment Repair

EQUIPRO ‘Constructs’ Franchise Opportunity, Fills Niche in Light Construction Equipment Repair
Nationwide Service Alliance Provides Local High-Quality Repair Alternative

GERMANTOWN, Wisc. – Addressing the growing service gap in the multi-billion dollar construction equipment repair industry, EQUIPRO, a subsidiary of Wacker, has announced plans to expand its emerging franchise concept nationwide. Franchising since June 2005, EQUIPRO currently has 12 service centers in major metropolitan markets with company plans calling for 33 franchised locations by the end of 2006, totaling 150 within the next five to seven years.

Forming EQUIPRO was the next logical growth segment for Wacker, a leading light construction equipment manufacturer. Having been in business since 1957, they understand the service needs of the end-user.

EQUIPRO focuses on providing owners of light construction equipment with prompt, high-quality repair service, fast turnaround times and professional on-site support through a nationwide service alliance of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) partners. Currently, EQUIPRO’s non-competing alliance partners include ICS, MI-T-M, MK Diamond, Sullair, and Wacker with expectations to add two to four more major manufacturing partners to complete the business model.

“In recent years, many national and regional light construction equipment dealers have cut back on service and parts support – resulting in longer downtime, longer replacement equipment rental periods and greater expense for the customer,” said Peter Liesch, president of EQUIPRO. “At the same time, the light equipment market is projected to grow by more than nine percent throughout 2006. Our concept provides a cost-effective, high-quality repair alternative to traditional independent service centers.”

A key ingredient to the success of each EQUIPRO Service Center is the Metro Service Specialist (MSS). The MSS is an employee of EQUIPRO with the purpose of developing service sales and acting as a liaison for EQUIPRO’s OEM partners in the local market. The responsibilities of the MSS include effectively calling on contractor offices and jobsites, equipment and rental dealers, as well as national accounts to promote solutions for equipment repair and parts.

Beyond sales responsibilities, the MSS plays an integral role in the development of the EQUIPRO Service Center by monitoring the workflow and operations to maximize efficiency, coordinate resources and capitalize on market opportunities.

‘Constructive’ Repair Alternative
EQUIPRO services some of the most commonly used equipment in the light construction industry (weighing up to two and a half tons) including concrete chain saws, pressure washers, portable air compressors, pneumatic tools, floor saws, rammers, vibroplates, rollers, generators, pumps, and more. Customers can drop off their machinery at their local EQUIPRO Service Center or have it picked up and delivered after repair.

Certified technicians trained by EQUIPRO’s manufacturing partners provide quick, consistent service to customers with an average turnaround time of three to five business days (depending upon volume of service activity at the local EQUIPRO Service Center). EQUIPRO offers competitive prices and authorized warranty services, and will happily provide customers with detailed repair estimates before performing any work.

Additionally, EQUIPRO Service Centers provide support for the engines on equipment. Authorized full-service repair, parts and warranty support are available for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Robin Subaru, and Wacker powered equipment.

‘Equipped’ for Market Demand
Beyond servicing equipment owners, EQUIPRO is a win-win solution for manufacturers and equipment dealers alike. EQUIPRO benefits manufacturers who have a large concentration of equipment within a given market but are lacking a strong product support program.

“Replacement parts in high-demand and general stock replenishments are sent to the OEM’s through EQUIPRO’s electronic parts delivery system,” said Dan Bennett, operations manager with EQUIPRO. “Reduced processing time and automatic response to demand at the EQUIPRO Service Center ensures customers' timely access to replacement parts, thereby reducing equipment downtime.”

For the dealer, the EQUIPRO Service Center offers an outsource alternative for overflow and demand fluctuations, for repairs requiring special service needs or tools, and for performing warranty services.

"We don't sell or rent equipment, we only provide repair service," Bennett added. "Because of that, neither end-users nor rental companies view us as competition. In fact, rental companies are one of our biggest customers.”

EQUIPRO can also provide new equipment sales leads to its OEM partners. When a piece of equipment is brought into an EQUIPRO Service Center for repair, but is no longer worth fixing, EQUIPRO will refer the customer to a new equipment dealer for the sale.

A Franchise Opportunity Worth ‘Servicing’
EQUIPRO offers a tremendous franchise opportunity ideal for individuals with strong business management skills, a manufacturing or service background and an entrepreneurial spirit. Franchisees will need to invest between $145,000 and $350,000 to open an EQUIPRO franchise, including a one-time franchise fee ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.

As a benefit of joining EQUIPRO, franchise owners will receive business systems and technical training at Wacker’s 63,900 square foot state-of-the-art training facility. Franchisees will have access to multimedia classrooms and hands-on lab facilities, along with specialized training on products and services from OEM specialists, access to EQUIPRO’s proprietary business operating system, electronic parts ordering systems, inventory planning and reporting modules, and more.

About EQUIPRO
EQUIPRO, a subsidiary of Wacker, provides owners of light construction equipment with prompt, high-quality repair service, fast turnaround times and professional on-site representation through nationwide service alliance of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) partners. Franchising since June 2005, EQUIPRO currently has 12 service centers. Company plans call for 33 franchised locations by the end of 2006, totaling 150 within the next five to seven years. For more information about EQUIPRO, visit www.equiproservice.com or call 1-866-EQUIPRO.

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