The 200,000-sq.-ft. Orlando area facility will service the company’s automotive, RV and marine retail customer base throughout the state. The location brings Keystone’s network of nationwide distribution centers to eight in addition to 37 stand-alone cross-dock facilities, increasing the company’s total distribution footprint across North America to approximately three million square feet, the company said.
“We are elated to be a part of communities of Ocoee and greater Orlando,” said Keystone Automotive Operations President, Bill Rogers. “The local government has been wonderful to work with and very helpful with the process of opening a large distribution center there. This Central Florida location positions our inventory in the heart of our Florida automotive, RV and Marine customer base, allowing us to provide enhanced service with later cut times and in many cases, earlier daily delivery times.”
“I am delighted that Keystone Automotive Operations has joined the growing list of nationally-ranked employers in the Ocoee Business Park,” said Ocoee, Florida Mayor Rusty Johnson. “Keystone will be occupying 200,000 square feet of space in the park while bringing well-paying jobs, which in turn will support the high quality residential and retail environment that we are striving for in Ocoee.”
With inventory shipments and early operations underway, the facility will be staffed by a team of more than 50 and serviced by the company’s private trucking fleet which distributes aftermarket products for the Keystone Automotive Operations, NTP-STAG and SeaWide distribution brands, the company said. The increased capacity aims to optimize the corporation’s cross-dock structure while increasing delivery and reach, ensuring improved, expanded service into regions such as Miami and the Florida Keys.
“We are constantly analyzing and evaluating improved methods to help our customers grow and be more competitive in their respective marketplaces,” said Keystone Automotive Operations Vice President of Fulfillment, John Ruch. “Consumer demand for the products we distribute continues to increase. This Florida facility will help us to meet the needs of our customers, and in turn, meet that retail demand. Our Florida inventory mix will ensure we continue to improve our product availability with the best-in-industry lead times for the end consumers.”
“Our Orlando site will hit the ground running smoothly, having honed our best practices for safety and efficiency through our in-house warehouse management software systems, standard operating procedures, and most importantly, the collective experience of our team members whose commitment and energy are the backbone of the company,” added Ruch.
