Helder Garcia (at right) and Brian Silveria previously owned Volvo Rents franchise Valley Rental Centers, which has locations in Merced and Modesto, Calif. The business was acquired this week by Volvo Rents.

Volvo Rents has acquired Valley Rental Centers, a two-location Volvo Rents franchise based in Merced and Modesto, Calif., previously owned by Helder Garcia and Brian Silveria. Garcia and Silveria will remain with Volvo Rents, continuing to manage the branches and help with the company’s California expansion.

Anchored by an increase in local construction spending that is projected to total nearly $5.2 billion between 2012 and 2016, Volvo Rents hopes to grab a larger piece of the construction equipment rental pie in the Merced and Modesto areas. To capitalize on the economic upturn, Volvo Rents is embarking on a new course, augmenting its franchise network of rental stores with an additional network of company-owned facilities.

“Since 2003 when we initiated a relationship with Volvo Rents, Brian and I have been impressed by the company’s commitment to building a culture of service and local decision-making,” said Garcia. “Volvo Rents is embarking on a significant expansion, and our team is looking forward to contributing to their growth.”

“Helder Garcia’s and Brian Silveria’s commitment to outstanding customer service and local decision-making has enabled them to assemble an excellent team that is fully committed to providing a VIP customer experience,” said Mike Crouch, Volvo Rents’ vice president of business development. “Helder, Brian and the Merced and Modesto team will play significant roles in the expansion of Volvo Rents in the state of California.”

The acquisition is the fourth for Volvo Rents in the past six weeks, including Utah-based Sampson Equipment; Slidell, La.-based Tuff Equipment Rentals; Orlando, Fla.-based Contractors Equipment Rentals.

Based in Asheville, N.C., Volvo Rents is No. 17 on the RER 100.