While most Americans are being ordered to stay at home, in some states like California, construction workers are deemed essential regardless of the project. In Los Angeles for example, construction has continued on offices, apartment buildings and single-family homes. According to LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, renovating and building homes in a state where housing shortage is critical, demands to be deemed essential. “Right now, we absolutely need as many places and spaces where people can space out. As long as people can do that work while abiding by the public health restrictions, we will see that as critical…”, Eric Garcetti. In other states construction is required in response to Covid 19, such as construction for hospitals, first responder stations, other medical facilities and public works construction. Other orders allow construction for school and commercial buildings for essential businesses. And, that is where things go gray. What does it mean to be an essential business or part of an essential industry? Well, those type of constructions usually fall under buildings that store food and medical products, such as grocery stores, food & produce distribution centers, blood banks, pharmacies, etc.
How is the Heavy Equipment Industry Affected?
Most brick & mortar retailers have been considered non-essential. However home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowes are considered essential; as well as construction equipment dealerships like Sonsray Machinery, a CASE CE dealer. They are considered essential because they supply tools and equipment to essential businesses such as construction companies and contractors. If you’re still working on a construction project, you know you can only buy or rent an excavator or a forklift from a heavy equipment dealer. “Since the pandemic started, we have not slowed down. The construction industry provides critical services for public safety with the highways, roads and bridges they build and meeting our utility needs. Construction workers maintain and improve our infrastructure and it is important we keep our doors open for them”, says Matthew Hoelscher, President of Sonsray Machinery.
Why choosing a reputable heavy equipment dealer is important
In this time of crisis, it is important for construction companies, contractors and municipalities to partner up with a local construction machinery dealer. Ideally you want to look for an authorized distributor who has exclusive rights to distribute from the manufacturer, not a second-hand dealer. Look for a dealership who has at least these 3 qualities:
- Specializes in distributing a world-recognized brand – CASE CE was founded in 1842 and has 500 dealerships worldwide
- Large Market Footprint – Sonsray Machinery has 13 locations in 4 states, making them the largest CASE CE distributor on the West Coast
- Established Dealerships — Despite historical consolidations and changes in ownership throughout the years, CASE CE Dealerships remain standing on the West Coast since they were first established in California.
When contractors choose to do business with an authorized distributor they have access to a nationwide network of aftermarket support. After the sale you can count on having a world-class parts department with access to all parts big and small from your engine to the bucket, factory-trained technicians for service, industry-leading warranties, and even their used construction equipment has been thoroughly inspected and pre-owned certified by the factory (when applicable).
In addition, dealerships like Sonsray Machinery are backed by the manufacturer so you can rest assure they are not going away anytime soon. They have the resources to support your business in equipment, rentals and parts & service. “Now more than ever it is important our customers are aware that we are a one-stop shop for all of their construction needs. Not just for new and used heavy equipment sales, but our shops must remain open for parts and service. Same with our rental centers, specifically for customers who are opting to rent equipment rather than committing to buying these days”, says, Gregg Raslowsky, Director of Sales, Sonsray Machinery.
Final Thoughts
To all of the construction workers out there who remain repairing our roads, building our homes, and maintaining our hospitals and schools…we see you and appreciate you. We understand you’re putting your own lives at risk; and we thank you. Keeping construction going benefits our economy and we are grateful that you continue to build America.
None of the companies mentioned on this blog article are affiliated.
Home Depot — The Home Depot, Inc. is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in unincorporated Cobb County, Georgia
Lowes — Lowe’s Companies, Inc., doing business as Lowe’s, is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States, and Canada.
Sonsray Machinery – Sonsray Inc Is the largest authorized CASE CE distributor with 13 locations in 4 states: California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. With locations that stretch from the borders of Canada and Mexico, they are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for new & used sales, rentals, and parts & service.