Merchants Fleet has begun work on its new headquarters, as a group of employees that included the chief executive attended Demolition Day and swung sledgehammers into a wall, according to the fleet management company.

The new headquarters is slated to open this summer in Hooksett, New Hampshire, near the current headquarters. Merchants signed a 10-year lease on the property.

"This is an exciting time and a milestone moment in the history of Merchants as we embark on a new chapter,” said Michael Sydney, owner and vice president.

Demolition Day attendees were treated to a champagne toast and a tour of the building, which will feature collaborative spaces to drive innovation, video conferencing spaces, and employee amenities, including a gym with locker rooms, community game room, and a cafe.

"We have made it a major strategic focus to hire the best and brightest minds in the fleet industry," said CEO Brendan Keegan. "This new building will give us the resources, space, and environment for those minds to come together, innovate, and create an even better experience for our clients."

The fleet management company has been growing its national client base as part of its aggressive strategic direction over the past 18 months. Merchants Auto, the pre-owned dealership division of Merchants Automotive Group, will remain at its current location at 1278 Hooksett Road.