American Tire Distributors (ATD) will open a new distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa, and relocate to new and larger facilities in Springfield, Mo., and Mobile, Ala. In addition, they will close a small facility in Lexington, Ky.
The 70,000-square-foot distribution center in Des Moines is scheduled to begin serving customers in February 2003. The 60,000-square-foot facility in Springfield will open for operation by the end of the second quarter.
"We want to be the independent tire dealer’s best resource for products and services, and our expansion into the Midwest will significantly enhance our capabilities in this part of the country," says Dick Johnson, CEO and president. "We are fortunate to be in a strong financial position, which allows us to invest in serving our customers."
In Alabama, ATD will relocate to a 60,000-square-foot facility in Mobile, which also will open for operation by the end of the second quarter.
In order to provide customers in Kentucky with the most efficient, up-to-date resources, ATD is closing its Lexington warehouse and will begin serving its customers in the area through one of four modern distribution centers. They are located in Louisville, Ky., Knoxville and Johnson City, Tenn., and Charleston, W.V.
"Each of these facilities offers state-of-the-art warehousing technology and significant increases in available inventory," says Johnson. "We intend to manage this transition so that dealers retain seamless service with no interruption to their business."
Larry Stoddard will oversee the expanded service region in the central United States. Stoddard was named regional vice president in April, succeeding Randy Haas, who retired earlier this year.
ATD, formerly Heafner Tire Group Inc., operates 62 distribution centers servicing 35 states.
