By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
There are lots of changes in the works for Mathews Chevrolet-Buick in Bucyrus, lots of changes.
“Yeah, big time,” agreed General Manager Dave Gibson.
The $1.8 million remodeling project encompasses not just the showroom, but Service Department and customer lounge as well.
“You won’t recognize the place after March,” Gibson said. “The showroom will be double in size and the customer lounge will double in size.”
Gibson added that a bigger service door will mean customers will be able to drive into the service areas, exit their vehicle while inside and go directly to the lounge area. That will be especially convenient during the winter months and times of inclement weather.
“The showroom is going to be all new. We’re refreshing the garage area and it’s going to be extended,” Gibson said. “The whole facility will look extremely different, all new asphalt and new lighting.”
Mathews purchased the Chevrolet and Buick dealership in Bucyrus and moved in in January of 2015. The plan right from the outset was a complete makeover of the facility. The showroom will double its capacity from three vehicles to six. Gibson said they are fortunate to have the staff they have in place which he described as “great.”
“If you don’t have good people, you’re not going to do business.”
But, he admitted, the facilities were lacking.
“We bought it (dealership) with this intention,” Mathews said. “The facilities were at the top of our minds.”
And the extensive remodel is being done with the local customers’ buying and service experience in mind. That is why the Service Department will see as much change as the showroom.
“The whole core of service is to take care of customers in your own back yard,” Gibson said. “The main advantage is that customers don’t have to drive to a larger market to get the same quality and experience of service.”
Gibson said with a smile that in spite of the major overhaul going on in the building that both the Sales and Service departments will remain open to the public during construction.
The general manager was also quick to point out the project demonstrates Mathews’ intentions of being in business in Bucyrus for the long haul with a facility second to none in the area, and is an investment in the entire community.
“I’m proud of the fact we are partnered with J&F Construction. Everything we could sub out to local contractors, we’ve done,” Gibson said. “They (contractors) are excited about the project. And the feedback from the community has been fantastic.”
Gibson said in addition to J&F Construction, Kiess Electric and Bucyrus Road Materials also have substantial work in on the project.