The new home of Sundowner Truck Accessories is taking shape

Posted 2 months ago

The Bothwell business burned to the ground Aug. 1. After months of planning and preparation, the frame of the building can be seen as people drive by on Highway 79.

Rob VanMiddleKoop is the manager of Sundowner. He says it has taken a while to get the building started but he's excited with the progress being made.

The new Sundowner building will be slightly smaller than the original. VanMiddleKoop says that was possible because designing from scratch allowed them to make more efficient use of space. The old building had many additions, which didn't flow together.

VanMiddlekoop says the warehouse is attached to the bays where the trucks are outfitted, making it easier to get the parts required. Larger bay doors have been added to accommodate larger trailers.

The show room makes better use of the space and while the plans don't call for it yet, VanMiddleKoop expects the pool table will return for customers to use while their trucks are being accessorized.

"People liked playing while they were waiting," he says.

The new building will also be more comfortable for the workers, with better heating and better drainage to allow water to escape instead of pooling in front of the bay doors.

VanMiddlekoop had hoped Sundowner could move out of it's current temporary home at Sloan's Nurseries by Christmas, but he says that is overly optimistic. He believes employees could start working out of the building by Feb. 1.

VanMiddlekoop says everyone is looking forward to the completed project. "It was a horrible thing that happened," he says, "When its all said and done, it will be good."