WHITELAND, Ind. — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has dedicated a 1-million-sq.-ft. distribution center in Whiteland, providing the tire maker with more capacity to store and ship tires.
The facility replaces an existing D/C in nearby Franklin, Ind. Employees at the older facility will transition to the new building.
The Whiteland facility, originally announced in June 2020, is one of six regional D/Cs Cooper operates in the U.S., and is part of the company's North America distribution network.
Mohr Capital budgeted $40 million for the building, $4.7 million to buy the property and $10 million to install logistics equipment at the site, according to its tax abatement application on file with the town.
Whiteland is a town of about 4,200 inhabitants located just a few miles north of Franklin and about 15 miles south of Indianapolis. It has nearby access to the Interstate system via I-65 and I-465.
Cooper also operates warehouses at its three U.S. tire plants along with two mixing warehouses. All the facilities are set to become part of Goodyear, once that $2.5 billion deal clears regulatory hurdles and is approved.
"As we strive to meet customer needs and continue providing outstanding customer service, this new, larger distribution center positions Cooper to navigate logistic requirements faster and more efficiently," Mike Calabro, executive director – North America supply chain for Cooper, said.
"Throughout the entire process, from site selection to finished construction, the support we received from the town of Whiteland as well as real estate investment firm Mohr Capital has been tremendous," Mr. Calabro said.
