Harbor Freight to open Greenville location

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GREENVILLE — Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc., a California-based retailer, will soon open a location in Greenville.

The announcement of a lease signing between the company and Darke County was made during the Monday meeting of the Darke County Board of Commissioners.

Harbor Freight, founded in 1977, offers more than 7,000 tools and accessories. The new store will open in the former Aaron’s Rental business at 635 Wagner Avenue. Darke County owns the Wagner Avenue complex.

County Business Administrator John Cook said the lease term is for 60 months. The financial terms were not disclosed.

“This is something we’ve been working on the terms since late September of last year,” said Cook, who noted there is approximately 21,000 square feet of space to rent at the location.

Commissioners Mike Rhoades and Mike Stegall both voted to accept the agreement.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Rhoades. “When the previous commission purchased [the Wagner Avenue property] the intent was to have that whole place full. This will be a good fit for the community, I believe.”

Commissioner Matt Aultman, who was absent for the meeting, nonetheless issued a statement in support of the lease agreement.

“I would like to welcome Harbor Freight into our community,” said Aultman’s statement. “The proceeds that will come from the lease of this property will allow us to continue to maintain and pay down the lien held on this property, which in the end will allow us as a county to be fiscally responsible to the Darke County citizens.”

Cook said abatement on the property to remove asbestos continues, but that the county will likely turn over the keys to Harbor Freight by the end of March. As well, the county is still in the process of planning the repair of exterior sewer lines at the property. He expects Harbor Freight to take at least 120 days before opening its doors at the location.

Harbor Freight, with more than 750 locations nationwide, including nearby shops in Troy, Dayton, and Lima, Ohio, will reportedly open an additional 105 stores this year.

Tool retailer likely to open doors this summer

By Erik Martin

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

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