LONGVIEW, Wash. - Seattle-based Star Rentals opened a branch here recently, CEO Bob Kendall told RER. Longview is a heavily industrial area where a number of major firms have facilities.

Ray Bonnes, a veteran who worked at Alpine Rentals for a number of years, is the location's new manager. Kendall said the company hired Bonnes last year and then trained him specifically to manage the Longview branch.

Star, No. 23 on the RER 100 with 1998 rental volume of $32 million, has 12 branches in Washington and three in Oregon. Kendall said the company will continue to pursue expansion opportunities in those two states.