Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Hewitt, Texas — significantly expanding its footprint, capabilities and customer support capacity throughout the Waco area.
The new branch, built on more than 16 acres, represents a major step forward from the company’s former 4-acre rental property and is designed to support rapid regional growth as well as the needs of contractors, municipalities and equipment owners across Central Texas.
The Waco area is experiencing sustained infrastructure, commercial and residential growth. Highway expansions, bridge projects and new housing developments continue to reshape the region, along with area mining operations. Sales & Operations Manager Richard Graves emphasized how the new branch aligns with the region’s long-term trajectory.
“As DFW grows and Austin grows, everything is getting closer and closer,” said Graves. “There’s not a better spot to be in terms of growth and potential. That’s why Kirby-Smith established a location here in 2020 and continued to look for a larger, permanent location. Kirby-Smith’s presence here has grown right along with the area, and we now have about 45 employees that are based out of the Hewitt branch, and we’re looking to add more during the next few months and years.”
Territory Manager Trey McNeel has been instrumental in developing KSM’s customer base in the Waco area since he was hired in 2017 to target that market. He noted that the larger yard expanded equipment availability across the entire lineup of Komatsu, WIRTGEN, Magni, SkyTrak, Takeuchi and other brands KSM represents.
“It’s incredible how much is going on in this area in practically every market, so when customers need something, they want it as quickly as possible,” stated McNeel. “Having inventory on hand reduces or eliminates wait times, avoids delays and saves transportation expenses of having to bring it from another store or elsewhere. In addition, having a nice-sized demonstration area allows them to come to the store and try machines without having to bring them to their sites.”
Increased capabilities
Customers have easy access to the new Hewitt branch that sits just south of Waco along Interstate 35. The location includes multiple gates to improve traffic flow, extensive concrete surfaces for truck and machine movement, and the large on-site demo area where customers can operate equipment in real working conditions.
In addition, it features an approximately 20,000-square-foot building that includes an expanded shop and increased parts warehousing. Service Manager Chris Brenz emphasized that the new facility translates to better turnaround times and an improved service experience. To better ensure that continues, KSM has added technicians and is actively recruiting more.
“It’s a huge upgrade from the old shop, and it really increases our capabilities,” declared Service Manager Chris Brenz, noting that the former location had limited bay space. “The technicians have more room to work and multiple 10-ton cranes, so they can service and repair some of the largest machines and mining trucks in the area. “
The parts department has also undergone a major transformation. The new branch doubled parts storage capacity and greatly expanded outdoor space for bulk items. It carries a wide variety of parts ranging from major construction equipment components to parts for compact machinery.
“It’s like night and day coming from the old location,” commented Parts Manager Clayton Willis. “This gives us a lot more room to keep inventory on hand, which reduces wait times and downtime. It’s a benefit to us and to our customers.”
Video: https://youtu.be/vGIYnuP5IHg
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