Kester Auto Parts LLC expanding showroom to meet local needs
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THE KESTERS HOPE to have the expansion of their business done by the end of the year, with parts of it arriving this week. -
WITHTHE EXPANSION UNDERWAY, the shelves at Kester Auto Parts LLC are gradually being filled with additional hardware store items. -
ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, filters, caulking, Kilz, Dap, Flex Seal and more can now be found at Kester Auto Parts LLC.
Kester Auto Parts LLC is growing once again, making room for new inventory and expanded services with a showroom addition now underway. The family-owned business has steadily broadened its offerings to meet customer demand—adding hardware, farm and ag supplies, Dewalt tools, Ritchie water systems, and even lawn mowers.
“We’ve just been running out of space,” said owner Libby Kester. “People love that we’ve added hardware, especially on Saturdays when our local hardware store is closed. We’ve been selling so much of it, and now we’ll be able to stock even more.”
The new addition will connect to the current showroom, with a walkway leading east into the expanded space once it is complete. Kester said the project is being built by local hands, with MTB Construction handling the concrete work and Layn’s Remodeling constructing the building. “Hiring in-town contractors was important to us,” Kester said. “We want to keep our dollars local and support the people who support us.”
Farmers National Bank is also playing a key role in the expansion. The loan for the project came through their Stockton office, and Kester said working with them has been a positive experience. “Jeff Reiner and the entire bank staff have been wonderful to work with” she said.
The store’s hardware section is designed to fill a specific need without competing with the hometown hardware store.
Kester emphasized that point: “We’re not trying to take away from any local businesses. We just wanted to help on Saturdays when people don’t have another option. We carry everything from electrical to plumbing, home AC filters, caulking (Dap, Kilz, Flex Seal and more!), door handles—even a toilet if you need one!”
As the business grows, Kester said the goal remains the same: to provide the community with reliable products and hometown service. “This is where we live, this is where we work, and we want to give people one more reason to shop local,” she said.
Kester Auto Parts LLC is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
