Six Robblees Inc., a Seattle-based distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts that operates a Spokane branch, has bought the assets of Interstate Parts & Equipment, a longtime Spokane company, and plans to construct a new building here to house the combined operation.


The 20,000-square-foot structure will include offices, a showroom, and warehouse space, and will be erected near the intersection of Fancher and Broadway in the Spokane Valley, Six Robblees says. The building, with an estimated cost of around $1 million, is expected to be completed by late fall. Garco Construction Inc., of Spokane, is expected to be the general contractor on the project.


With the increase in competition and reduction in truck freight traffic, it is increasingly difficult for the small distributor to offer a full inventory of parts and services, says Thomas R. Ogren, Six Robblees president. By joining these two well-established parts distributors, we can maintain an active independent market. The customer does not have to go back to the dealer.


Bill Nikola, who was Interstates general manager, is staying on with Six Robblees. However, Six Robblees Neil Hendricks now is managing the overall Spokane operation, which employs about 22 people. He also is regional manager for the Seattle companys Inland Northwest territory, which includes other branches in Montana.


Hendricks says the new building is to be constructed on a 1.7-acre site that Six Robblees has bought just north of a convenience store at the northwest corner of Fancher and Broadway. Once the structure is completed, he says, the former Interstate Parts operation will move there from a number of buildings it leases at 3511 E. Trent, and Six Robblees will move its Spokane operation there from leased quarters at 3710 E. Trent.


Interstate was founded here in 1947 and first was called Inland Diesel & Machinery Inc. Hendricks says Six Robblees has had a Spokane presence for nearly 30 years. The two companies were competitors, but Six Robblees focus here in recent years has been more on the trailer business than on truck parts, so were going towith this acquisitionget back into the truck parts more, he says.


A family-owned company thats celebrating its 90th anniversary, Six Robblees now operates 17 warehouses in the Pacific Northwest and California, with the addition of the operation here.


It is a member of HD America, which includes aftermarket distributors with more than 500 warehouses throughout the United States and Canada.


HD America members are able to participate in that groups national programs on warranty, breakdown service, parts procurement, fleet pricing and maintenance, and electronic ordering. All of that groups services will be available at Six Robblees Spokane operation.