Riggs CAT is expanding its reach into the outdoor enthusiast market with the construction of a flagship Riggs Outdoor Center, expected to open in Saline County in the spring of 2018.
Riggs bought two existing businesses last summer – KB Outdoor Sports in Benton and Kawasaki Sports Center in Little Rock – and with that began selling all-terrain and utility vehicles, off-road and road motorcycles.
The new $5 million, 15,000 square-foot facility, including a showroom and a service shop, to be located on five acres of land near the Alcoa exit in Benton, will combine both of those Riggs Outdoor locations under one roof.
“We have several motorcycle lines and ag equipment, like an ag tractor and the LS brands, and then hopefully we will be building that product line even further into handheld tools, apparel, hunting gear, everything for the outdoor enthusiast. It’s going to be nice,” says Megan Dunlap, the company’s community relations manager.
The Riggs Outdoor Center will feature products from Caterpillar, KTM sports performance motorcycles, Husqvarna mowers, Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycles and LS tractors, as well as those from two Batesville-based companies, Spartan and Intimidator.
“We are very proud to be joining the Saline County community as we feel it’s necessary to be a part of a growing and proud community. We know the Saline County residents will be a perfect audience for the type of products we will be hosting. Much of the population are outdoor enthusiasts so it’s a perfect union,” Dunlap says. “Not only will we be selling equipment, we are also a full service provider for any repairs or maintenance issues. This is a retail-oriented business suited for every outdoor enthusiast there is, from your speed demons to your weekend warrior.”
CAT machine rentals will also be available at the new store, which will house the company’s technology division, SITECH. SITECH handles Caterpillar software and onboard control systems for the company’s commercial products.
Riggs Outdoor will employ about 30 people when it opens and expects to grow and expand over time.
Riggs CAT has eight locations across the state. It’s in its fifth-generation of ownership with about 450 employees. It was founded in 1927 by John Riggs, Sr., as a family-owned equipment dealership, Arkansas Road Equipment Co. The company was awarded the Caterpillar dealership franchise for 45 counties in Arkansas in 1928, making it the first and largest Caterpillar dealership in the state, after Caterpillar purchased the Russell Grader Company.
“We’re just really excited to be joining this community,” says Dunlap. “We’re selling street bikes, motocross bikes and we’re excited to be joining that community and to be a one-stop shop for everything from mowing your yard to buying a mule for your family to roll around on your farm.”