Park Ridge, N.J.-based Hertz Equipment Rental Corp. added 24 general rental locations in 2006 as part of its planned expansion in that line of equipment rental.

Grand opening celebrations were held for all 24 locations in a year that saw some of HERC’s most well-attended events, including the April 21 opening in Oklahoma City, which drew more than 1,400 people; and the Oct. 13 opening in Bakersfield, Calif., which drew more than 1,200 people.

Cumulatively, the 2006 events, held between the months of March and October, attracted more than 14,000 attendees. Grand opening events featured free catered lunches, vendor demonstrations, product literature distribution and prize giveaways. HERC also partnered with local radio stations who broadcasted live from the events.

“The success of our 2006 general rental events underscores the importance of HERC’s strategic growth as a full-service equipment rental company,” said Gerry Plescia, HERC president.

HERC began its general rental program during 2003, in support of its commitment to increase services and products available for small to medium-sized contractors and homeowners. The company has since opened 55 general rental facilities, including 20 in 2005. Currently, HERC has 115 locations in the United States and Canada operating in the general rental program.

HERC’s general rental locations offer a broad range of products, including lawn mowers, floor sanders and buffers, trenchers, paint sprayers, ladders, pumps and scaffolding, as well as a wide assortment of construction and industrial equipment from manufacturers such as Case, Genie, Ingersoll-Rand, JLG, John Deere, Wacker and Stihl.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Hertz Corp., HERC operates one of the world’s largest equipment rental businesses with more than 275 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and an additional 85 locations in France and Spain.

HERC is No. 3 on the RER 100.