Sunbelt Rentals recently announced the opening of its newest full-service rental branch in Ocean Springs, Miss. The branch was Sunbelt’s 23rd opening of the recent fiscal year ending April 30, 2006, and brings the company’s location total to 209.

The Ocean Springs location is Sunbelt’s first in Mississippi and further expands the company’s rental business in the Gulf. The branch is nearly 9,800 square feet on 3 acres and is centrally located in the heart of Ocean Springs. It is well-situated to serve everyone from homeowners to the large industry of Biloxi and Ocean Springs, and just minutes from such large corporations as Chevron and Northrop Grumman.

Already much involved in reconstruction of the south Mississippi area most devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the branch, near Gulfport, will facilitate Sunbelt’s ability to service the region. The branch’s fleet includes a wide range of specialty, industrial and commercial contractor equipment, as well as a substantial inventory for the do-it-yourself and small contractor markets.

Branch manager David Williams is from Ocean Springs and previously managed a Sunbelt branch in Savannah, Ga., since 2001. “This new facility let David come back to work in his hometown, and I know he’s proud to be involved in the reconstruction of the community after Hurricane Katrina,” said Jason Thompson, division manager.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Sunbelt Rentals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashtead Group plc, is No. 4 on the RER 100