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“The need is here,” said Amanda Simpson, manager of Tool Rental and Hydraulics, which opened on Sept. 6 in Albemarle, in explaining the decision to locate a center in the city.

“We wanted to expand,” said Simpson, referring to the firm’s parent business, Tool Rental Depot – Hydraulics Depot, located in Salisbury.

“There were no rental centers in Albemarle that also handle hydraulics, and we had folks from this area who were coming to Salisbury to do business,” she added.

Since its opening, Simpson and co-worker Tammy Turner said business is “picking up day by day.”

“Much of our business comes from homeowners, but we also have some contractors who work through us for equipment,” said Simpson.

The center provides a wide array of equipment for rent, ranging from small hand tools to personnel lifts to mini-excavators and skid-steers, as well as chainsaws, concrete tools, air tools and lawn and garden equipment. But, according to Simpson, the feature that sets Tool Rental and Hydraulics apart from other local rental centers is the firm’s capability to manufacture hydraulic hoses.

“We are able to make hoses, both two- and four-wire, here on site,” she said.

Delivery and pickup of rented items is available, with trailer rentals also offered.

“We invite everyone to come out and see us for any rental needs,” Simpson said.

Tool Rental and Hydraulics is at 1502 US Highway 52 North in Albemarle, beside RPM Cycles. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.