RUMFORD — River Valley Crossing mall off Route 2 has a new tenant.

Construction is under way on a Tractor Supply Co. store, the company’s 17th in Maine, Michael Graham of the media relations division in Brentwood, Tenn., said Wednesday in a news report. It’s expected to open in June.

Tractor Supply Co. is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the country and has been operating in Maine since 2007, he said. 

The Rumford store will be in the former Hannaford space at 142 Valley Circle. It will employ 12 to 17 full- and part-time people, Graham said.

The store will include sales floor and support service space. A fenced exterior space will be used for storage and displaying items, such as fencing, sprayers and livestock equipment.

“Tractor Supply looks forward to being a member of the Rumford community,” Michael Lowans, district manager, said.

“Rumford is a great fit due to the part-time and hobby farmers, and horse owners in the area,” he said.

The contractor for the project, DMB Construction Inc. of Winchester, Mass., began construction on March 25, Graham said. A completion date has been tentatively set for mid-June.

Tractor Supply Co. operates more than 1,176 retail stores in 45 states, employs more than 17,000 people.

In late March 2010, Tractor Supply opened a store in Wilton on Route 2, and in 2009, it opened stores in Oxford and Lewiston.

Tractor Supply Co. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange as TSCO.

Tractor Supply Company stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers, Graham said.

The company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses.

Rumford selectmen have yet to make a formal statement on the new business coming to town. But Jeff Sterling, vice chairman and Rumford resident, said Thursday morning by email that it bodes well for the town and area.

“I think it’s great, and from what I hear, our townspeople are quite excited that they are coming to Rumford,” Sterling said. “I think they will be welcomed with arms wide open.

“I think it will be a great fit and we welcome the jobs that will come with it,” he said. “We also should acknowledge the efforts of the owner of the plaza for bringing this company to town.”

Town Manager Carlo Puiia agreed.

“Tractor Supply is a great addition to our area, and I believe they will be well supported by local shoppers,” Puiia said.

“I also see them as a great draw to that mall from many of the surrounding outside communities seeking what they have to offer. They are a strong and professional company that should succeed, considering our rural environment.”

Puiia said he wishes Tractor Supply and mall owner Jonathan Rauch “a long and prosperous relationship here in Rumford.”

He also credited Jim Rinaldo of the River Valley Growth Council “for his part in bringing this to fruition. A job well done,” Puiia said.

Tractor Supply stores offer a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and pets, including select Purina and Nutrena brand feeds; a broad selection of agricultural products; and tools and hardware selected for customers’ needs, Graham said.

The typical Tractor Supply store has 15,000-24,000 square feet of inside selling space, with a similar amount of outside space used to display agricultural fencing, livestock equipment and horse stalls.

In addition, the company sells light truck equipment, work clothing for the entire family, and an extensive line of seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment products.

Tractor Supply is committed to understanding and fulfilling the needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle: folks who frequently describe themselves as hobby farmers and hobby ranchers, the company profile states.

“It is estimated that the ‘hobby’ or ‘pleasure’ farmer consumer segment spends more than $5.5 billion annually on farm supplies,” the Web site says.

“Today less than 10 percent of the company’s customers classify themselves as full-time farmers or ranchers. In fact, Tractor Supply’s largest customer segment does not farm at all,” the site states. “They are more aptly described as rural or suburban homeowners, or ‘self-reliants.'”

For more information visit www.TractorSupply.com.

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