Material handling company Crown Equipment Corp. has opened an expanded sales and service center in Springfield, Mo., the company said today. The new facility replaces an older, smaller sales and service center in Springfield and is designed to meet growing customer needs in southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas, company officials said.

The Crown Lift Trucks branch is located at 2637 E. Jean St. and offers equipment sales and rental; an expanded parts warehouse; a modern, updated shop facility with wash and paint bays; and a large demonstration area for trying out the latest in forklift and automated warehouse technology, officials also said.

"The new center is dedicated to supporting the continued growth of our customers, including businesses in our region's thriving distribution, auto parts remanufacturing, and underground storage sectors," David Smith, the company's general manager for the mid-central region said in a statement announcing the branch opening.