Les Schwab plans move to annexed site

RITZVILLE – When the city council accepted the H & L Reimer family’s initial annexation proposal at its September 6 meeting, Rane Shaub, President of the Shaub-Ellison Company, was on hand to discuss plans for the new site.

Shaub, who attended the meeting remotely, represented the Les Schwab Tire Center in Ritzville. He shared his concept of relocating the tire company to the Reimer tract, noting that the move follows a trend among Les Schwab facilities elsewhere. Specifically, relocation will give the firm greater visibility along the I-90 corridor and help to expand service to freeway motorists and commercial drivers.

The annexation site, located next to Love’s Travel Stop and across Highway 261 from Big Bend Electric, is expected to be zoned “tourist commercial.” According to the Adam’s County Assessor’s Office, the Reimer tract covers 49,500 square feet and sits adjacent to Ritzville’s corporate limits.

One council member expressed concerns that tire service for local residents may suffer if the company moves to the other side of the freeway. But Shaub noted that, at approximately 11,000 square feet, the firm’s new facility will be nearly twice the size of Les Schwab’s existing building. The larger facility will provide additional service bays, and Shaub anticipates more staff being hired to address increased demand.

Assuming the project continues as envisioned, Shaub expects construction of the new facility to begin next year. The relocated Les Schwab Tire Center will open for business in 2024, he said.