American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) has downsized its Field Support Center in Huntersville, N.C., “to more closely align our capabilities with our strategy to continue to grow and help our customers succeed,” said a company spokesperson.
"While a number of positions have been impacted at the Field Support Center today, we are investing in many new positions that will drive the capabilities aligned with our strategy."
The move is part of ATD’s ongoing strategy to reposition itself in the marketplace. The nearly two-year-old initiative is anchored in new technologies, analytics and digital capabilities.
In a letter sent to company associates by email, CEO and President Stuart Schuette spelled out the need for streamlining the field support process and making it more efficient. Here is the letter in its entirety.
"Good afternoon, team.
"Today has been a tough day for ATD. The decision to reorganize our Field Support Center was not made lightly, but it was critical for us to align our capabilities with our strategy.
"I am grateful for the work of the associates who have been affected by this organizational restructuring.
"They have been a part of our journey and the fabric of our company. Their contributions to our company are valued and we honor their service.
"More than 18 months ago, we began our transformation to become the most connected and insightful automotive solutions provider, and every decision that we have made -- and will make -- is grounded in realizing this vision. The digital tools and advanced technologies that we’ve introduced are key differentiators for ATD and are being recognized by both aligned customers and manufacturers.
"We also know that the industry is going through its largest change in decades, as we’ve seen in recent industry announcements. Additionally, we know that to grow, thrive and lead the industry, we must continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers with differentiated capabilities. We can see that our customers value these efforts as our NPS customer satisfaction scores are high across all metrics of service. And they are voting for us -- and with us -- by making brand allegiance changes to stay with their ATD partnership.
"Today, you should remember that ATD has been an enduring brand for more than 80 years because we aren’t afraid of change. We make the change. We are the innovators, the disrupters and the leaders.
"We have a plan that we are working through with our sponsors, and over the course of the next few months through all of our efforts we will pave the road ahead of us. We look forward to sharing this with you as it becomes finalized. We will remain the industry leader in every respect.
"We own our destiny. We will move forward. And we will stand with each other, shoulder to shoulder, as we create the ATD that will lead the industry into the future."
For more information on ATD's strategic repositioning, check out these links:
"ATD Shares Its Vision with Its Associates -- and MTD."
"Schuette: 'I Want to Make Sure that You Have the Facts about ATD.'"
