Apple Farm Service Inc. held a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the expansion of their West College Corner location.  The ceremony took place on Dec. 6, and while the weather was drizzly and cool, the crowd who gathered under the tent could feel the warmth.

After an invocation given by Chaplain Mick Miller, Melissa Browning of the Union County Development Corporation presented a certificate of appreciation to Bill Apple, president and CEO of Apple Farm Service, thanking him for his company's and family's investment in the community.  

Up next was Justin Moorman, project manager with Game Construction, to describe the details and process.  Moorman said the total square footage of the project, once completed, will be about 31,000 sqft. The existing shop will remain, with three phases of building planned, allowing operations at the shop to continue throughout construction. 

Included in the new space will be 11,000 square feet of additional shop, 40 feet of sales counter, eight new offices, new restrooms, a locker room, and break room.  “We need this down here, for storage and for space. And this will also help us attract and retain quality talent, which is a key in our industry,” Apple said in closing remarks.  

He expressed gratitude to the community and excitement for the upcoming additions to get underway.  “I always tell people Apple Farm Services doesn't belong to me or to (my family)-- it's our customers' store.  We want to do what is best for the customer.”