Staff and customers have been enjoying Sun Valley Tire’s new and improved shop since they opened for business in Altona’s Business Park a few months ago.
The grand reopening celebration on May 24 included a ribbon cutting, as well as a free hot dog lunch hosted by Altona YFC and an opportunity to enter a variety of door prize draws.
There were also greetings from Border Land MLA Josh Guenther and Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder, who both offered their congratulations on the business’ new location and wishes for their ongoing success.
Having worked for a Goodyear tire franchise, owners Ken and Glenda Hildebrand were looking for a more personal connection with the customer which led them to start up Sunvalley Tire in 1992 in Winkler. The Altona tire shop, originally located on Centre Avenue, was added in 2008.
“It was a slow start and has really increased since then. But we outgrew the building and the yard. All the farm equipment was getting bigger, and more and more big trucks were coming by,” Ken said.
“This new location on Bunge Road offers so much room. There are often 80 to 100 trucks a day that drive by here, so it’s great for visibility, as well.”
“The old location was not great for any type of trucks getting in and out, because it was off of a busy road,” added Glenda. “To try and back into the shop was stopping traffic. Here they can get a truck in the shop, beside the shop, and in the shop, with big trailers.”
“The increase in space is phenomenal.”
Ernie Wiebe has been managing Sunvalley Tire in Altona for 16 years.
“The new building is beautiful. The yard is set up so much nicer. We serve about thousands of customers a year, from small cars to tractors and semi trucks. We’re happy to be here.”
Assistant manager Peter Teichroeb says, “We’re all so excited about this. We’re happy to have Ernie here as our manager. He’s been a very good employee, very helpful, knowledgeable, so we really appreciate him being in Altona. All the staff from the old location moved over here, and they all say it’s just a blessing. It’s big and new and bright. We’re getting a lot of compliments about the drive through bay. That’s been a very big addition. We also have a tractor tire machine. The new building has two car bay hoists. We can hoist larger vehicles now with the four-post hoist. Another feature we really enjoy is the big open concept at the front of the office for the customers. They can walk around and see the tire display.”
“It’s a big change for them and for us, but it’s a good change,” added Ken. “We’re hope to serve customers there for many years to come.”
