PORT ANGELES — Angeles Millwork has purchased the former Sears building in Port Angeles to expand its services and offer more equipment rental options.
The Sears store, at 520 S. Lincoln St., closed in October following the retirement of its owner, Sheri Ingles.
Angeles Millwork purchased the property on Dec. 13 and hopes to open later this year as Angeles Rentals after some renovation.
“Angeles Rentals is a sister store specializing in rental tools, equipment and associated supplies,” Angeles Millwork Advertising Coordinator Josh Bergesen said. “Their retail offering will be directed towards supporting rental customers.”
Bergesen said the original Angeles Rentals has outgrown its small corner of Angeles Millwork on C Street in Port Angeles and it required a larger location.
“Moving Angeles Rentals out of Angeles Millwork & Lumber Co. will open up space for additional retail product lines and greater parking lot space,” Bergesen said.
Angeles Millwork is unique in that it is an employee-owned business. The employees are shareholders and can have an impact on the direction and future of the company.
Angeles Millwork announced the purchase of the building on its Facebook page on Jan. 4, including a photo of its management team inside the building.
“To say we are excited is an understatement,” the post reads. “This new 11,000 square foot facility in our arsenal, we’re stoked to expand our offerings while elevating the customer service and commitment we are known for.”
Employees and the board of directors supported of the purchase, Bergesen said.
“After discussions with the management team and Angeles Rentals Manager, Erich Corbin the (Board of Directors) agreed it was an excellent expansion opportunity,” Bergesen said.
The company will bring all of its tools and equipment from its current home, with a forthcoming increase in inventory, creating more availability for customers, he said.
“As for new additions, we’ll have a greater selection of rental items and a retail offering of supportive products that will best serve our rental customers,” Bergesen said. “As for actual specifics, we’re keeping that a bit under wrap for a couple of months. We have exciting growth plans, but we’ll first focus on seamlessly transferring our strengths to the new location before we commit to any deals currently in the works.”
Angeles Millwork plans to add three employees to its current two-person team with the potential for more positions once the new building opens.
“Plans are for additional positions to become available to our employee-owned business in the near future,” Bergesen said.
Angeles Millwork is encouraging people to check in on the progress of the renovation and transfer of supplies via its website, angelesmillwork.com, and on social media.
“We’re excited and grateful to have this opportunity at growth, and the response we’ve received after the announcement is humbling,” Bergesen said. “The new location wouldn’t be possible without the commitment to shopping local businesses.”
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Reporter Ken Park can be reached at kpark@peninsuladailynews.com.
