According to Operations Manager Justin Robinson, the move by United Bus Sales to their new location began in December of 2023 with the purchase of 18 acres off Hwy. 10 in Becker Twp.  At that time, United Bus had plans to expand and knew the old facility would not be able to meet all their future needs, including plans to incorporate a retail parts store into their business.  Robinson shared that the new location was chosen in part because United owners and management, “…wanted to stay within a certain radius for employees, so they wouldn’t have to drive farther to work.”

In April of 2024, Robinson first met with Becker based contractor B&B Built to develop plans for the new building and then with Becker Twp. for planning and permitting.  In October of last year, they finally broke ground.  The goal was always to finish construction by July of this year to avoid interfering with their busy bus season. Thankfully, construction was completed in the middle of June and the move-in for the offices and shop was completed on June 18, 2025.  Robinson shared that he was confident that they would meet their deadline.  

“Things kept clicking into place,” he said.

Business for United Bus Sales was never interrupted by construction or the move to the new building.  Once that was completed, plans to set-up the retail parts store began.  The plan was always to expand their parts department into retail and Robinson found a partner in Auto Value Parts Stores that would allow them to do that.  He also hired a seasoned Parts Manager to run it.  

Set-up began in October of this year, culminating in a soft open on 10/28.  The store officially opened on Tuesday, 11/18.   Auto Value Parts is open to the general public offering parts for almost every type of vehicle. 

“If it has wheels or tracks, we can help you out,” said Robinson.  “Auto Value stocks parts for trucks, busses, tractors, small engines, and cars.”  

The opening of Auto Value completed the plans that began in December of 2023.  Overall, he shared how thrilling the project has been.  

“It’s exciting to see a plan come together,” Robinson said. “We’re completing our plan for growth.”

When plans to expand began, United Bus Sales had 14 employees, currently, they’ve expanded to 32, with plans to hire more in the future.