Quinlan’s Updating Facilities in Antigo

A venerable Antigo business is updating its facilities in a very big way.

Quinlan’s Equipment, closing in on its sixth decade, is in the midst of a major expansion project that will add floor space, personnel and services to its southside Antigo location.

Crews from Thiex Construction of Birnamwood have enclosed the main building’s east and north walls, adding a 25-foot deep addition along two sides of the building.

With much of the project now shielded from the elements, work is continuing out of public view to carve a 21st century dealership from the space.

“We’re hoping for a spring completion,” Tom Quinlan, who operates the dealership along with his father, John and brothers, Adam and Tony, said. “It’s all to create a better service and buying experience for our customers.”

Quinlan’s dates to 1961, when it was started on the south side by Tom’s grandfather, Jerry, a dealer for International Harvester Equipment.

It transitioned to Jerry’s son, John, and now the third generation is at the helm.

Quinlan said the addition will allow the company to increase its showroom, allowing four or five vehicles to be displayed out of the elements. There will also be a separate parts entrance and new offices for the expanding sales force.

The building will also be “branded” with the GMC logo and arch, creating a stunning facade.

“Our building was looking dated and it had limited space,” Quinlan said. “This will brighten and modernize the dealership.”

Another key component will be an inside wash bay.

“You can imagine when we get some of those farm implements in for servicing, they are quite dirty,” Quinlan said, explaining that until now that hose-off had to take place outside, in all types of weather.

Quinlan’s deals in GMC trucks and SUVs, along with Bobcat skidsteers, Mahindra and Cub Cadet lines of tractors and UTVs, Hustler lawn and garden and Wacker Neuson industrial equipment.

It also offers a complete repair and parts department designed for everyone from farmers and potato growers to backyard gardeners and landscapers.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal