Volvo Penta adds two to Certified Uptime Dealers network

Introduced in 2024, Volvo Penta’s Certified Uptime Dealer Program recognizes North American dealerships that meet rigorous quality standards and adopt streamlined service processes designed to identify and address maintenance needs with speed and precision and foster customer confidence.

Volvo Penta has designated Charles Equipment Energy Systems and Lightning Unlimited as new Certified Uptime Dealers, expanding its specialized North American industrial service network. By meeting Volvo Penta’s high certification standards for service excellence, Charles Equipment and Lightning Unlimited have demonstrated exceptional commitment to uptime, operational efficiency and support for the company’s growing industrial customer base.

The Certified Uptime Dealer program recognizes partners that meet Volvo Penta’s highest operational standards, including 24-hour emergency service, quick on-site response times, advanced tooling, parts availability, and comprehensive service contracts. The program’s continued growth underscores Volvo Penta’s investment in reliability for customers across North America.

“We’re committed to advancing our Certified Uptime Dealer Program as an incentive for dealerships and a way to enhance our overall service network,” said Victor Falkenby, director of dealer development for Volvo Penta. “Charles Equipment and Lightning Unlimited both share our commitment to uptime, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction. We’re proud to welcome them into the network as trusted partners who will continue to elevate customer service standards.”

Powering an industrial network

Charles Equipment Energy Systems, a Chicago-area leader in turnkey power solutions, has more than six decades of power-assurance experience, specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of backup- and prime-power generator systems for industrial, commercial, municipal, and institutional customers. The company earned its certification by demonstrating consistent excellence in response times, first-time-fix quality, technician training hours, safety compliance and OEM-grade tooling.

“Partnering with Volvo Penta has strengthened our foundation for driving customer confidence in performance and service continuity,” said Mike Biehl, vice president of Charles Equipment Energy Systems. “Earning certification as a Volvo Penta Certified Uptime Dealer validates our continued focus on helping customers achieve maximum reliability in their power systems. “Together, we are increasing the service footprint by supporting a growing number of OEM’s in the field with Volvo Penta-powered generators.”

Culture of round-the-clock coverage

Lightning Unlimited, an expert industrial service provider based in Houston’s north side, provides fast diagnostics, on-site repairs, preventive maintenance, and warranty support across Texas and into Louisiana. The company secured Certified Uptime Dealer status through its technician-first culture, 24/7 coverage, and strict alignment with Volvo Penta dealer operating standards.

“Through our collaboration with Volvo Penta, we’re committed to giving customers access to world-class technical resources and genuine parts to ensure their operations run smoothly and safely,” said Don Jones, owner of Lightning Unlimited. “Joining the Certified Uptime Dealer Program reflects how our team approaches every service call with urgency, precision, and accountability.”

Certified for success

Volvo Penta’s Certified Uptime Dealers program is open to partners throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through the initiative, Volvo Penta continues to elevate customer support and operational performance across its industrial network, ensuring that customers have access to certified service partners dedicated to keeping power systems running efficiently and reliably.

“Every addition to our Certified Uptime network enhances our collective support for customers throughout the lifecycle of their equipment,” added Falkenby. “We’ll continue building our dealers and service infrastructure to ensure customers receive an exceptional level of trusted, high-performance support wherever they operate.”