Ace Hardware streamlines East Coast distribution operations

In a major restructuring of its eastern U.S. distribution network, Ace Hardware Corp. intends to open a new 1.1. million-sq.-ft. Retail Support Center in Pennsylvania while closing a handful of other facilities.




The moves will play out over the next 24 months.



The centerpiece of the restructuring is the planned opening of a Retail Support Center in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania in the first quarter of 2018. The facility will service Ace Hardware stores in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, New Jersey and Washington D.C.



Also part of the move is the closing of its Retail Support Center in Prince George, Virginia, a small crossdock in the Baltimore area, and the Emery-Waterhouse operations in Portland, Maine and Pittston, Pennsylvania.



“Ace Hardware intends to grow even more aggressively over the next several years,” said Lori Bossmann, executive VP, supply chain, inventory replenishment and retail support, Ace Hardware Corporation. “As a result, we are augmenting our distribution capabilities to be faster, nimbler and stronger than ever before.”



The changes to Ace’s east coast retail support network will take place in phases over the next 24 months, with the new Retail Support Center in Fredericksburg, Pa., and existing, recently expanded facility in Wilton, N.Y., absorbing distribution operations for the region.



The co-op said the restructuring does not change Ace’s strategic direction for Emery Jensen Distribution, Ace’s national wholesale operation which encompasses Jensen Distribution on the west coast, and Emery-Waterhouse on the east coast. “Ace will continue to grow its wholesale business with streamlined distribution and even greater strength,” said Mark Spanswick, president and general manager, Emery Jensen Distribution. “Emery Jensen Distribution remains a valuable division of Ace Hardware. We look forward to growing the business across all regions of the country.”



The co-op said employees at facilities being closed will be provided with a full range of transition services over the next two years. Relocation opportunities will also be provided to qualified team members.