GREENFIELD — A grand opening to celebrate the new facility for Dellen Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM dealership located on Greenfield’s west side was held Thursday evening.
Nick Dellen, president and owner of the dealership located at 2640 W. Main St., said they moved into the new facility about a week or so ago. Still, he was excited to be able to have a grand opening and ribbon cutting to officially announce the opening of the new facility — a moment he shared with his wife and two boys, along with many others.
Dellen said the new building had been in the plans over the past two to three years and under construction for the last year, and while the older building had served them well, it was time for an upgrade due to the building’s aging, such as roof leaks.
Dellen said the teardown of the old building will happen over the next month.
“That’s kind of bittersweet cause that building served us well, but we’re excited for this new facility, not only for our employees but also for our customers,” Dellen said.
Dellen said the new facility features lots of natural light and LED lighting in the showroom and the service department. It also features 89 spaces, 183 display spaces and 78 inventory spaces.
Shared with the Daily Reporter when the project was first announced, the new facility upgrades include four electric vehicle chargers in the parking lot for customers and two in the dealership’s service department for technicians to use.
Dellen said that also with the new facility, Chrysler Corporation is also going to be giving more Jeep inventory to add to the facility for purchase over the next 12 months.
The Dellen dealerships have been a part of Greenfield since 1980, when Dellen’s father bought the property from Ralph Hockett. Dellen said they first started with General Motors and throughout the years accumulated Chrysler products.
Dellen started working in the car business with his father when he was 14-years-old, which he said seems just like yesterday. Dellen’s father passed away in 2008, but Dellen said he knows he is with him in spirit as they open and run the new facility.
Another way Dellen said they are involved in the community is through sponsorships with different entities, such as sale promotions where part of the proceeds is given to the Boys and Girls Club, Kenneth Butler Soup Kitchen and more organizations throughout the Greenfield area.
During the ribbon cutting, Dellen thanked many members of the community for coming to show their support.
Dellen also thanked the employees, current and those who passed, leaving an impact with him to carry on.
“This building is for you guys,” Dellen said. “I appreciate it. I’m very excited that we can do this and build great things.”
With his wife by his side and many others, the Dellen family posed for their photo op for the new facility – the boys cutting the ribbon who will be “paying the store off one day,” Dellen said with a laugh.
