To better serve its customers in the Northeast United States, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated is building a state-of-the-art auction facility in North East, MD.

The auction site, located just off I-95 on Route 40, is approximately 40 mi. south of Philadelphia International Airport and 45 mi. north of Baltimore Washington International Airport.

“The design of the facility is modeled after the company’s other permanent facilities around the world and is part of our international growth strategy,” said Mike Ritchie, vice president North East, Ritchie Bros.

Crouse Construction of Darlington, MD, started developing the 200-acre plot in October 1999.

During the construction, Crouse is moving 400,000 yds. (304,000 m) of land, spreading 70,000 tons (63,000 t) of stone and 15,000 tons (13,500 t)of asphalt millings. As a result, the 60 acres of land used for equipment display will be dust and mud free, reports Ritchie.

Beneath the millings, crews are laying $140,000 worth of geotech fabric to help stabilize the soil.

The 26,000-sq.-ft. (2,340 sq m) two-floor auction facility, which holds the heated auction theater, will feature registration counters, a cafeteria, indoor display area, lockers for customers a telecommunication center and plenty of rest rooms facilities.

The high-capacity painting and refurbishing facility will be capable of painting up to 25 machines a day.

The 40,000-sq.-ft. (3,600 sq m), two-lane facility will boast washing facilities, a sand blast booth, a paint booth and a detailing booth.

The facility offers the largest paint shop on an auction site anywhere in the United States, according to Ritchie. “This refurbishing facility enables us to offer a higher quality service to our customers,” he said. “The facility is also a healthier environment for our employees.”

An inaugural sale is scheduled for March 2001. For more information visit www.rbauction.com.