Ohio Peterbilt Unveils Massive Etna Hub with 'Diesel Brothers' Fanfare

ETNA, OH – May 06, 2026 – Ohio Peterbilt is set to redefine truck service in the Midwest with the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art dealership in Etna on July 29, 2026. The massive 82,000-square-foot facility represents a significant strategic investment in Ohio's bustling logistics corridor and will be celebrated with a public event featuring special guests Heavy D and Diesel Dave, stars of the hit television series Diesel Brothers.

The celebration, scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the new location on Carter Drive, invites the community to witness the next generation of full-service truck dealerships. The event underscores a major milestone for Ohio Peterbilt, a key brand within the Ohio Machinery Co. family, as it continues to expand its footprint and enhance service capabilities across the state.

A Strategic Investment in Ohio's Logistics Corridor

The new Etna dealership is more than just an expansion; it's a calculated move to solidify Ohio Peterbilt's position in one of the nation's most critical logistics hubs. Located just 20 miles east of Columbus with convenient access to the I-70 corridor, the facility is strategically positioned to serve the high volume of commercial traffic moving through Central Ohio and the wider Midwest. This placement is no accident, as Licking County and Etna Township have become increasingly attractive for logistics and distribution industries, thanks to their robust infrastructure and dynamic economic growth.

This project is the latest in a series of ambitious moves by the company. Following the acquisition of multiple dealership networks to form the unified Ohio Peterbilt brand, the company has been on a path of aggressive modernization. This includes the 2023 opening of a 68,000-square-foot facility in Perrysburg and the 2025 launch of a comprehensive e-commerce platform for parts. The Etna facility, which is expected to employ approximately 150 team members, builds on this momentum, reflecting a deep commitment to growth and customer service. By planting a flagship location in Etna, Ohio Peterbilt is not just building a dealership; it is creating a vital resource designed to support the region's economic engine.

Inside the Next Generation of Truck Service

Ohio Peterbilt has labeled the Etna location "one of the most advanced full-service Peterbilt locations in the nation," and the facility's specifications support this claim. Purpose-built to maximize productivity and minimize driver downtime, the 82,000-square-foot structure is a testament to modern industrial design. Its centerpiece is a sprawling service shop featuring 25 service bays, a capacity that dwarfs many competing dealerships and allows for a significant volume of simultaneous maintenance and repair jobs.

Complementing the service area is a 36,000-square-foot central parts distribution center. This massive inventory hub is designed to ensure that technicians have immediate access to a vast array of components, dramatically speeding up repair times. For trucking fleets, where every hour of downtime translates to lost revenue, this focus on efficiency is paramount. The facility also includes 11,000 square feet of office and retail space, alongside driver-focused amenities designed to improve the on-the-road experience. Thoughtful additions, such as ample truck parking and even a dedicated dog park, acknowledge the realities of life for long-haul drivers and aim to make their mandatory stops more comfortable and convenient.

When compared to other recent dealership openings, the scale of the Etna facility is notable. For instance, a new Peterbilt dealership in Nebraska, considered modern, measures less than half the size with fewer service bays. The Etna facility's sheer size and comprehensive features set a new benchmark for what a full-service dealership can offer.

Navigating a Shifting Trucking Landscape

The opening of such an advanced facility comes at a pivotal moment for the trucking industry. While a stronger economy has boosted freight demand and orders for new Class 8 trucks, the sector continues to grapple with significant challenges. Operators in Ohio and across the nation face a persistent driver shortage, fluctuating freight rates that recently saw a historic downturn, and increased operational costs. In this environment, maximizing vehicle uptime is not just a goal but a critical survival strategy.

Modern dealerships like the one in Etna are essential partners for fleets navigating this complexity. By offering rapid, reliable service and extensive parts availability, they help keep trucks on the road and earning revenue. The implementation of electronic logging device (ELD) rules has further intensified the need for efficiency, as every minute of a driver's available time is meticulously tracked. A lengthy wait for a simple repair can now have cascading effects on schedules and profitability, making the promise of reduced downtime at a facility like Etna's particularly compelling.

Star Power Drives Community Excitement

To mark the opening, Ohio Peterbilt is pulling out all the stops, blending corporate strategy with community celebration. The inclusion of Heavy D and Diesel Dave from Diesel Brothers as special guests is a savvy marketing move designed to attract a broad audience beyond industry insiders. The duo has cultivated a massive following among truck enthusiasts, mechanics, and a younger demographic drawn to their high-energy truck customizations and reality TV personalities.

Their appearance transforms the grand opening into a must-attend event for fans and the local community, generating buzz and media attention that a standard ribbon-cutting ceremony would not. A select group of customers will even have the chance to participate in an exclusive meet-and-greet, adding a layer of VIP appeal. This approach aligns with the company's vision for the dealership as a destination.

"Our Etna location is more than just a new dealership, it's a destination," said Mike Crawford, Vice President of Ohio Peterbilt. "We're excited to officially open our doors and celebrate with our customers, partners, and the community. Having Heavy D and Diesel Dave join us makes this event even more special, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to see what this facility has to offer."

The grand opening celebration on July 29 will provide the first public look at a facility designed to serve the region's truckers for decades to come, anchoring Ohio Peterbilt's commitment to driving the industry forward.