James River Equipment has expanded its sales and servicing capabilities into western North Carolina with the opening of the Asheville, N.C., branch.

The Asheville branch, located on Bruce Road, is James River’s 25th location.

Supporting equipment sales and rental needs are Earl Philbeck, Brent Ward and Gene May. Steve Shutes will serve as parts manager while Keith Revis will continue on as service manager.

In the Beginning

Rudolph Romer, great grandfather of Mark Romer, current president of James River, opened his first John Deere dealership in Holly, Colo., in 1926. In 1977 the Romer family expanded eastward and purchased a dealership in Virginia, leading to the birth of James River Equipment.

James River Equipment currently employs more than 500 people across Virginia and North Carolina.

For more information, call 828/667-0176 or visit www.jamesriverequipment.com.