OCOEE, Fla. — Wholesale aftermarket distributor Keystone Automotive Operations has opened a 200,000 sq.-ft. distribution center (D/C) in Ocoee that will service automotive, recreational vehicle and marine customers throughout Florida.
Keystone now operates eight D/Cs, in addition to 37 standalone cross-dock facilities across North America, encompassing around 3 million square feet of warehousing space.
The facility will employ more than 50 people and will be serviced by the company's private trucking fleet, which distributes aftermarket products for all the industries under the Keystone Automotive Operations, NTP-STAG and SeaWide brands.
The company said the increased capacity will optimize the corporation's cross-dock structure while increasing delivery and reach, ensuring improved, expanded service into Miami and the Florida Keys, among other regions.
Keystone Automotive Operations President Bill Rogers lauded the local government there in the launch of the facility.
"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," he said.
John Ruck, Keystone Automotive Operations vice president of fulfillment, said the company is constantly analyzing and evaluating methods to help grow its customers base and be competitive in the each marketplaces
"Consumer demand for the products we distribute continues to increase," he said. "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."
Florida based property management and development firm McCraney Property Co. helped to locate the building in Ocoee.
"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," Ruch said.
