The Team Ford dealership had been operating out of the same building for nearly 30 years when leadership decided to demolish it and construct a more modern facility. At the same time, they chose to completely upgrade the storage systems and workstations used by their employees.

The Service Manager and Parts Manager contacted various automobile dealerships in the region to evaluate the solutions they were using. As part of a larger automobile group consisting of 32 dealerships, Team Ford had access to comparable operations that had selected different manufacturers for similar projects. They researched both newly built dealerships and those constructed 10 to 15 years earlier to understand how products had evolved over time. Several manufacturers were invited to bid on the project, including Rousseau Metal Inc.

During the planning phase, detailed discussions were held to determine the best workstation configurations for each technician while achieving the wall to wall design the dealership envisioned. The goal was to create continuous bench runs with no gaps between stations. Each technician needed sufficient tool storage, organized layouts, and a clean aesthetic. Attention was given to small details, including concealing leveling glides to maintain a polished appearance.

In the parts department, careful planning ensured the space was used efficiently. Proposed layouts were developed and refined through collaboration, transforming initial sketches into a comprehensive storage solution. The Service Manager noted that the expertise provided throughout the process helped translate a general vision into a fully realized design.

Rousseau workstations ultimately gave the service department a clean and organized look, along with ample storage and heavy duty durability built to last for years. In the new parts department, small parts are stored in shelving drawers while larger items are organized in mini racking units. Hanging panels at the ends of aisles provide additional vertical storage, and specialized storage units designed for the automotive industry allow irregularly shaped objects to be stored efficiently.

Management maintains that the service department is now a significantly improved work environment. Visually, the shop appears organized and professional. With wall to wall Rousseau systems, each technician benefits from a larger work surface than traditional standalone toolboxes would provide. Leadership considers this one of the biggest advantages of the new installation.

An unexpected benefit of the project has been improved recruiting. In Alberta, finding skilled technicians can be challenging. The updated facility, with its structured and professional layout, makes a strong impression on potential hires and supports employee retention.

Reflecting on the decision, the Parts Manager stated that after evaluating all available products, Rousseau’s options stood out. He appreciated the flexibility to customize solutions for their specific needs and emphasized the overall quality of the systems. Management credits the project’s success to thorough planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating a functional, long lasting solution.

After several months in the new building, Team Ford remains highly satisfied with the results. The combination of shelving, drawers, and customizable configurations has delivered exactly what the dealership needed for both current operations and future growth.