Tom Nehl Truck Company has just opened a Western Star dealership in Jacksonville, Fla. on the site of the Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison's former branch at 5040 West University Boulevard.
Western Star was previously represented in Jacksonville by Asbell Truck Center, which closed in February. The opening of North Florida Western Star comes on the heels of the company's purchase of Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison's area of responsibility in Duval and the surrounding counties.

Several key employees from Asbell are now at North Florida Western Star, including the Parts Manager, Jimmy Plemmons, Warehouse Manager, Robert Riley, and the sales department, comprised of George Brigman and Dustin Brigman.

Several employees from Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison have also joined the team, bringing decades of overhaul and repair experience to the service department.

The dealership will specialize in Detroit Diesel engine and Allison transmission overhauls, in addition to all makes parts and repairs.

"We've taken the best aspects of two of our former competitors, and created a new dealership," said Bret Catto, general sales manager at Tom Nehl. "It has the best of all worlds: experience, financial backing, and a niche in the vocational market, which has some great opportunities."

The new dealership is a subsidiary of Tom Nehl Truck Company, which has been in operation for 52 years. Tom Nehl currently represents Freightliner, Volvo and Sprinter.