IEH Auto Parts LLC's Auto Parts and Pep Boys company has acquired Automotive Electric Distributors Inc. (AED), an automotive aftermarket parts warehouse distributor in Portland, Ore.
The company says the purchase establishes Auto Plus and Pep Boys' presence in a key Pacific Northwest market.
In business since 1959, the five AED warehouses, led by president Pat Blechschmidt, distribute products to automotive parts stores and service facilities across Oregon, western and central Washington and western Idaho.
Blechschmidt and his team of 50 employees will remain on board as the locations become corporate-owned Auto Plus stores. They will continue to service their independent store customer base out of their facilities in Portland, as well as their distribution center in Auburn, Wash.
"The AED ownership group is tremendously excited about being part of the growth of Auto Plus and Pep Boys," says Blechschmidt.
"Auto Plus and Pep Boys is a well-run operation that has the ability to stock all the parts needed to operate a successful distribution business in a highly competitive market like Portland."
Auto Plus and Pep Boys President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Windom said that AED has enjoyed 57 years in business, in large part because of its “focus on their employees and on exceeding their customers' expectations, which aligns with the priorities of Auto Plus and Pep Boys as we expand our presence across the country.”
The addition of AED is an example of Auto Plus and Pep Boys’ growth strategy gaining momentum, according to Windham.
“We are focused on increasing our national footprint and strengthening our ability to compete through a steady pace of network growth in key markets. This transaction positions us for further expansion in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, enabling us to better serve our existing customers and take care of new customers wherever they need us."
See “Auto Plus and Pep Boys Continue 'Rapid Growth Strategy'” for details on IEH Auto Parts LLC's purchase of two New Jersey stores in August.
