Melton Truck Lines Inc., a Tulsa-based flatbed carrier, broke ground last week on a new corporate headquarters that the fleet has designed to be an oasis for drivers that will include a medical clinic, gym, laundry, walking paths with exercise stations and a cafeteria.
The 77,000-sq.-ft. facility will function as an office for more than 250 employees and a high-end rest stop for more than 1,000 drivers based throughout the country, according to Tulsa World.
“We’re trying to make it a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere,” Melton President Bob Peterson said. “There will be laundry there so that they can wash their clothes and a place for them to get a bite.”
The new headquarters is part of a 10-year project that Peterson said will increase employment by an average of 10% annually. He predicts the fleet will add up to 120 drivers per year for the next 10 years.
The recovering manufacturing sector, especially automotive companies, has been a major customer for Melton in the past three years, Peterson said. Last year the company also saw more business from residential and commercial construction companies.
“Our customers are optimistic when we ask them about their business, and that’s the most important thing,” Peterson said.
Melton also has terminals in Laredo, El Paso and Dallas, TX; Birmingham, AL; and Masury, OH.