An artist’s rendering of the new Western State Bank.
Western State Bank has announced plans to build a new bank building and expand the administration building in Devils Lake. Both projects are expected to begin in 2024.
Western’s new bank building will be constructed at its current location on 4th St. SE in Devils Lake. It will feature a welcoming lobby, drive-up lanes, concierge-style teller stations, and a meeting space for Good Neighbor Club events and other gatherings. During the construction process, the bank will temporarily relocate to the former U.S. Bank building on College Drive South.
“We have served the Lake Region for over 100 years, and our new bank building demonstrates our long-term commitment to our community and region,” said Brett Johnston, Market President. “We thank customers for their patience during the upcoming construction process, and we look forward to opening the doors of our new bank building.”
The company’s administrative building, located south of the bank location on College Drive, will be extensively remodeled and expanded to accommodate Western State Bank and Western Equipment Finance team members in Devils Lake. This campus approach is similar to the company’s other administrative office locations in West Fargo, ND and Chandler, AZ. As part of the campus facility plan, the current Western Equipment Finance building at 503 Highway 2 West has been listed for sale.
“Western Equipment Finance is proudly based in Devils Lake, yet we serve vendors and customers across the country,” said Chad Palmer, Western Equipment Finance president. “We’re excited to work alongside our bank colleagues as part of our Western campus.”
Western State Bank and Western Equipment Finance employ a total of 289 team members, including 58 in Devils Lake. The bank was founded in 1902 as the Bank of Webster. In 1966, its name changed to Western State Bank and the headquarters shifted to Devils Lake. In 1973, the bank moved to the current location.
Western State Bank also has North Dakota locations in Fargo and West Fargo along with Arizona locations in Casa Grande, Chandler, Deer Valley, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun City and Sun City West. It offers banking services, investments, and mortgage financing to personal and business customers, and the bank has grown to more than $2.1 billion in total assets.
Western Equipment Finance, a division of the bank, was formed in 1990 to provide full-service commercial equipment financing and leasing options throughout the United States. The division serves several primary industry segments including agriculture, amusement, audio/visual, construction, fitness, franchise, funeral, gaming, laundry, lawn and tree care, rental, and waste management.
Western Equipment Finance consistently ranks among the top 100 equipment finance companies in the nation. According to the Monitor industry publication, Western Equipment Finance is the 71st largest equipment finance company in the country. It was ranked as the 61nd top equipment finance company by new business volume, and this year it surpassed $500 million in new business volume for the first time.
“Western’s roots remain firmly in Devils Lake, even as we grow across the country,” said Brian Houkom, Chief Executive Officer of Western State Bank. “The company has more than doubled in size over the past six years, and our Devils Lake team members are critical to our continued success. These building projects will help us better serve our customers and communities, and remain an attractive local employer.”
