Hale Trailer breaks ground on former Saco Drive-In property

The former site of a Saco icon is getting a new life.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held Thursday morning at the future site of Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel at 969 Portland Road (Route One).

Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel was founded in New Jersey in the 1970s by Barry Hale. The company offers sales and rentals of storage and shipping trailers and office and job-site trailers. Hale Trailer now has 15 locations across 11 states.

As people gathered for Thursday’s ceremony, it was hard not to notice the remains of the big screen from the Saco Drive-In, which operated at the location from 1939 until 2022, when Hale purchased the property. 

Saco City Historian Peter Scontras gave a brief history of the Saco Drive-In.

After the property at 969 Portland Road was sold to Hale Trailer, Wesley and Judith Hurst, owners of Aquaboggan Water Park, purchased the drive-in theater equipment and set up a 70 by 50 screen at the waterpark, located across the street at 980 Portland Road. The Hursts “rescued a local icon,” said Scontras, when they relocated the Saco Drive-In to their waterpark.

Neal Bangor, general manager of the Portland branch of Hale Trailer, will also be the general manager of the future Saco branch. He said Hale Trailer is a family-owned company built on family values. The company has operated a dealership in Maine for more than 40 years, and now with the investment in Saco, plans to be in Maine for many decades to come, he said.

“We also know this location holds a special place in a lot of hearts,” said Bangor. “Saco Drive-In was cherished by this community, and we don’t take that lightly. Our commitment is to honor that legacy by being enthusiastic community members and good corporate neighbors. The entire Hale Trailor team is truly excited to join the Saco community, and we can’t wait to call Saco home.”

Dave Lockett, director of facilities and construction at Hale Trailer’s Voorhes, New Jersey branch, said that Hale Trailer has been success because the company has integrity, is honest, and provides quality products.

 “I’m tickled to be here, I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to expand the commitment we’ve had to our customers and to be a part of the Saco community,” he said.

Saco Economic Development Director Tracey DesJardins said the future facility at 969 Portland Road was an important investment for Hale Trailer, the local workforce, and the broader Saco community.

Lockett said the company anticipates the new facility will be completed in about a year.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.