Advance Auto Parts to Open New Distribution Facility in Lehigh Valley, Pa
500 New Jobs Will Be Created by Leading Automotive Aftermarket Retailer
LEHIGH VALLEY, Penn., May 28 -- Advance Auto Parts , a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories, announced during a press conference today that the Company's operating subsidiary is under contract to purchase and expand a new distribution center in the Weisenberg Township, located in the Lehigh Valley of Eastern Pennsylvania. The new distribution center will serve the Company's expanding store base in the Northeast region of the United States and play an integral role in its comprehensive distribution network. Advance Auto Parts projects that the facility will open in the spring of 2005 and anticipates that 500 new jobs will be created when the facility's operations are at full capacity.
The 500 new positions will include drivers, dispatchers, material handlers, supervisors, and managers, who will be actively recruited from the Lehigh Valley area.
"This new, strategically located facility creates exciting opportunities to serve our stores in the Northeast more effectively and efficiently," said Larry Castellani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our investment in this distribution center and the creation of 500 new jobs demonstrates our commitment to expand our 'Best Parts, People and Prices' philosophy."
The new distribution facility is adjacent to Interstate 78, located 10 miles west of Allentown, Pennsylvania. With the planned 150,000 square feet addition, the facility will be expanded to approximately 650,000 square feet. Once the expansion is complete, it will be outfitted with state-of-the-art systems and equipment.
The distribution facility was developed through a joint venture between Arcadia Properties, LLC, of Bethlehem, and The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Governor's Action Team were also instrumental in bringing Advance Auto Parts to the region. The Garibaldi Group marketed the facility on behalf of Arcadia Properties. It is a full-service commercial real estate firm with offices in Chatham and Princeton, NJ, as well as the Lehigh Valley.
"We are especially appreciative of the assistance from the state of Pennsylvania and the community of the Lehigh Valley for their participation in this project," said Castellani. "They have made us feel very welcome, and we look forward to a continued strong relationship."
"We are very pleased to have Advance Auto Parts join the other leading companies at Arcadia West," Richard Thulin, principal of Arcadia Properties, said. "We knew that Arcadia West Industrial Park was well positioned to attract a major distribution center like the one for Advance Auto Parts."
"Advance Auto Parts' decision to expand its operations into our region once again illustrates that companies are selecting the Lehigh Valley due to its ideal work environment and centralized location for business," said Ray Suhocki, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). "We are excited about the 500 new jobs that Advance Auto Parts has committed to our region, knowing that every new job has a strong and direct impact on our communities. LVEDC welcomes Advance Auto Parts to the Lehigh Valley and looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them."
About Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is a leading retailer of automotive parts in the United States. The Company has 2,553 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do- it-yourself and professional installer markets.
Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, services, as well as on-line purchase of parts and accessories can be found on the Company's web site at http://www.advanceautoparts.com/.
About Arcadia Properties.
Arcadia Properties is a privately owned real estate development and management company with properties throughout the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania.