Overhaul in works for Wimberley Ford dealership

One of Dowagiac’s most popular auto dealerships is in the midst of a massive facelift.

Construction on a new, 80-by-100 square foot showroom began outside of C. Wimberley Automotive’s Ford dealership on M-51 late last month. The new structure will replace the dealership’s existing display and office space, and will feature an updated look to bring it in line with other recent Ford dealerships throughout the state.

Owner Chuck Wimberley had been considering building a new complex for the Ford dealership for several years, finally deciding to pull the trigger on it this year, he said. Both the local dealership and the Ford Corporation are contributing funding to the project, Wimberley said.

“The new showroom should have a huge impact on this end of town,” Wimberley said.

The new space will also provide additional parking space in the front of the dealership, and will also have additional amenities for customers, including an improved reception area, Wimberley said.

Enhancements are also underway to the business’ auto services, including the construction of a new car wash facility, which is expected to open at the same time as the new showroom in October.

“I think we’ll be handling as many as 200 to 300 cars a day after we open,” Wimberley said.

While customers will no doubt enjoy the improvements, the community itself will receive a boost by the time the ribbon on the new facility is cut, as the dealership expects to add to its existing staff of around 50 employees later this year.

“By the time we get done, we’ll need around 8-10 new people to handle the additional work,” Wimberley said.

Wimberley has been complimentary not only to builders with Pearson Construction, but to officials with the City’s Department of Public Works, including Director Jim Bradford, who have worked with the dealership to make their expansion a reality.

“It’s nice to work with people who want to see Dowagiac progress,” Wimberley said. “They’ve been tremendous to work with, and we’re really, really happy about that.”