Buss expansion just awaiting better weather

Buss Motors, a fixture of the Shawano business community since 1992, is nearing completion of its second expansion in 14 years.

Given the uncooperative weather, including the harsh winter and recent rainfall, the dealership has been unable to schedule a grand reopening celebration.

“The whole building still has to be painted. … I am going to have the whole blacktop redone, but the weather is hurting us,” said Rory Buss, who owns the company with his brother, Ronald.

The Chevrolet franchise began its expansion project in March 2013 following approval by General Motors and input from California-based architectural firm Gensler.

Rory Buss said the expansion hit some roadblocks due to the departure of the initial consultant on the project.

“When this person left, all of the information we had went with her,” Buss said. “We had to start all over.”

Construction was completed in November, but work continues on enhancements prior to the grand reopening.

The 4,000-square-foot expansion is an addition to the rear portion of the prior 7,500-square-foot building. Buss noted the change was needed in order to be more efficient.

“It was in another building and now it is all under one roof,” Buss said.

Additions to the building included more office space, service drive-ups and a four-wheel alignment area where they can also wash vehicles.

Buss credits the addition to a boost in sales and influx of new customers interested in purchasing new vehicles.

“God blesses us here,” Buss said. “I am a firm believer in that, and we have seen at least an increase of sales at about 25 percent.”

Although Buss does not have specific numbers, seeing is believing.

“Every day, we are seeing new customers,” Buss said.

The Buss brothers’ original plan was to have a grand opening in early spring, but the delays have pushed it back.

“We’re hoping to have the re-grand opening the first part of June,” Rory Buss said.