GERMANTOWN, Tenn. – The Automotive Distribution Network recently announced that two of the group’s longtime Auto Pride members have earned distinction as Parts Plus shareholders: Northwest New Jersey’s Lakeland Auto Parts, and State Automotive Warehouse, whose two Providence-based Action Auto Parts locations serve all of Rhode Island as well as southern and southeastern Massachusetts.
“When our group merged Auto Pride with CMB in 2013, we outlined a clear path for the Network’s niche members to follow to become Parts Plus shareholders,” explains David Prater, president of The Network. “Lakeland Auto Parts and State Automotive are two of our fastest-growing members who have expanded their respective businesses and worked diligently to become line common with the group’s shareholders. These two new shareholders have earned the increased name recognition and enhanced buying power that come with being a Parts Plus member.”
Operated by co-owners David Donus and Daina Onello, Lakeland Auto Parts is a third-generation, full-service warehouse, servicing primarily independent repair shop customers from their soon-to-be eight locations throughout Northwest, N.J.
“We’re planning a huge rollout in early 2019 to introduce the Parts Plus Car Care Center program to approximately 10 to 12 of our best service dealer customers,” says Donus. “We feel our distinction as a Parts Plus shareholder will not only positively affect our relationships with the group’s vendors but also provide us with more co-branding product opportunities. Upon completing upgrading our locations with new signage and striping, we plan to leverage the Parts Plus name recognition as we continue to expand.”
For State Automotive and their Action Auto Parts locations, the transition to Parts Plus shareholder status will be seamless, says Robert Daly, company owner and founder.
“Everybody has programs and pricing discounts, but not everyone has the right people in place to back it up—the Network is a group that emphasizes good people and strong relationships, which complements our own philosophy very well,” Daly explains. “As a Parts Plus shareholder, we will continue to offer state-of-the-art training programs designed to increase productivity and profitability. Most important, we remain committed to building customer partnerships that last. We believe the elements in the Parts Plus toolbox, in particular the Car Care Center program, will enable Action Auto Parts to become even better business partners moving forward.”
The Automotive Distribution Network, operating under the brands of Parts Plus, Parts Plus Mexico, IAPA and Auto Pride, is one of the most diverse groups in the auto-care industry. The Network is a proud member of Nexus North America and Nexus Automotive International, a group of parts distributors who are committed to bringing a global approach to the industry. For more information, contact Laura Guy at Network Headquarters, 3085 Fountainside Dr., Ste. 210, Germantown, TN, 38138. (901) 682-9090, [email protected].
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