-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Brian Forsythe, right, and his wife Kathy Forsythe, pose with a jack and hitch outside of their business, Hiway Truck Equipment, 2246 First Ave. S.

Hiway Truck Equipment Inc. shows no signs of slowing as truck, trailer and equipment repair has been in high demand over the past few years, according to Brian Forsythe, owner of the business.

The shop was expanded in 2018. That has created more room for vehicles and has allowed employees to be more efficient.

The business has also added employees in recent years.

“We have added more mechanics to help get vehicles completed in a timely fashion,” Forsythe said. “We are still struggling to keep up with demand as sales have increased dramatically over the last three years. We greatly appreciate all of central and northern Iowa for their tremendous support they have shown us.”

Hiway Truck Equipment is located at 2246 First Ave. S.

It was founded in 1985 in Humboldt. Brian Forsythe and his wife, Kathy, purchased the company in December of 1997. It has been located in Fort Dodge since that time.

About 15 people are employed at the shop — 12 full-time and three part-time workers.

Throughout the pandemic, Brian Forsythe said the business worked to increase its sanitizing of all traffic areas and closed off the shop to employees only.

All things considered, Brian Forsythe is pleased with how 2020 went. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t adversity to overcome.

“We have been fortunate that we had a sizable backlog of vehicles scheduled into the shop, so the mechanics have all stayed busy,” he said. “The walk-in traffic for parts and service has decreased significantly. We have experienced some parts and equipment shortages with some manufacturing facilities closing due to the virus. We have had to look for some new sources for essential items to keep jobs going.”