SURREY, B. C. –After an unassuming start in Lloydminster, Alta., First Truck Centre is now 30 years old, with a dealership network that has grown to include four locations: the original in Lloydminster; two branches in Edmonton; and most recently, an expansion to the west coast.

In October 2008, First Truck Centre added the B. C. Freightliner dealership to its network. The new facility is located within the Metro Vancouver region, at 18688-96th Ave. in Surrey, B. C.

First Truck Centre Vancouver provides seven day a week support to Freightliner Trucks, Thomas Built Buses, American LaFrance Emergency Vehicles and E-One Emergency Vehicles product lines. With a staff of 129, First Truck Centre Vancouver operates out of a 60,000 sq.-ft. facility, on an 11-acre property, offering a full line of services that include a body shop, a heavy-duty frame straightener, and a 60-ft. down draft paint booth.

The centre offers parts, service and bodywork to Class 3-8 trucks, among other vehicles, the company says.

First Truck Centre will integrate its commitment to customer service within the new Vancouver dealership, according to a spokesman for the organization, who notes that this commitment has garnered First Truck Centre the coveted Freightliner Aspire Award as one of the top 10 dealerships in North America for three years running, from 2004 to 2006.

“The desire of the team in Vancouver to be the premier heavy-duty truck dealership in the Lower Mainland, makes it a natural fit with our culture, and the synergistic potential is exciting,” says Patrick Ozirny, president of First Truck Centre.

For more information, call 604- 888-1424. •