CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Virginia-based bus dealer Sonny Merryman Inc. will celebrate the grand opening of its new Hampton Roads bus service center in western Chesapeake on Wednesday.

The new $6 million venture on five acres features 37,000 square feet of office space, bus maintenance facilities with 12 full-size service bays, parts warehousing, and a body repair shop. Compo Construction Company of Norfolk was the project’s general contractor.

Floyd Merryman, CEO and president of Sonny Merryman Inc., cites business growth and a strong desire to provide exceptional customer service in the Hampton Roads market as the catalyst for the new project.

“2016 marks the 50th anniversary of our company,” Merryman said. “This new facility is a testament to our commitment to continue providing quality transportation equipment and premier customer support across the commonwealth for at least another 50 years.”

Grand opening celebration festivities include a ribbon cutting ceremony, facility tours, vehicle displays, live music, and refreshments.

The new Hampton Roads facility replaces the company’s former service center in the Greenbrier Industrial Park, which is also located in Chesapeake.

Sonny Merryman Inc. is Virginia’s exclusive dealer for school bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses.

Headquartered near Lynchburg in central Virginia, the dealer also operates a bus service center near Manassas in northern Virginia.