Ace Hardware opening massive automated robotic facility in Missouri
Ace Hardware Selects Missouri For New Distribution Center
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,700 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China, and Santa Catarina, Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks.
Ace Hardware Corporation, the world's largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, has announced its plans to open a new Retail Support Center (RSC) in Kansas City, Missouri. The company aims to construct a state-of-the-art facility spanning approximately 1.5 million square feet, which is projected to be fully operational by 2025. This development is expected to create 350 new jobs and contribute to the continued growth of Ace Hardware.
The Kansas City Retail Support Center will feature cutting-edge robotic technology, automation, and advance modern warehouse inventory management software systems. The company expects construction to commence in the second quarter of 2023. Ace Hardware's investment in this state-of-the-art facility not only highlights its dedication to meeting the needs of its customers but also signifies its confidence in the growth potential of the region.
Governor Mike Parson expressed his excitement about Ace Hardware's decision to establish its distribution center in Missouri. He highlighted the strategic location of the state in the center of the United States, enabling businesses to reach customers quickly. Governor Parson welcomed Ace Hardware to Kansas City and expressed confidence in the company's success in the region.
Ace Hardware's new distribution center in Missouri holds great significance for various reasons. Over the past decade, the company has witnessed substantial growth, with retail sales increasing by an impressive $12 billion. Additionally, Ace Hardware has experienced 11 consecutive years of new domestic store growth, resulting in the opening of 850 new stores within the last five years. To support this expansion and meet the demands of its growing retail landscape, Ace Hardware aims to balance its distribution network by constructing the new facility.
Lori Bossmann, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for Ace Hardware, emphasized the critical role the new Retail Support Center will play in the company's robust supply chain. The Kansas City facility will enable Ace Hardware to accommodate its recent growth and sales volume while preparing for future business opportunities. By strengthening its presence in the Midwest, Ace Hardware will be better positioned to fulfill deliveries more frequently, ensuring consistent service levels as new stores continue to open within the network.
The new facility in Missouri will be almost twice the size of the average Ace Retail Support Center, emphasizing the company's commitment to meeting the demands of its expanding operations. It will be located in the KCI 29 Logistics Park, a 3,300-acre megasite developed by Hunt Midwest. Ace Hardware's choice to establish its facility in this logistics park underscores the superior location, labor, and logistics advantages that Kansas City offers.
Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, emphasized the significance of Ace Hardware's choice to establish its distribution center in Missouri. He highlighted the company's status as the first tenant in the KCI 29 Logistics Park and underscored the positive impact the facility will have on the local Kansas City region. The expansive footprint of the new facility will generate hundreds of new jobs, further strengthening Missouri's reputation as an ideal location for businesses.
Ace Hardware's decision to expand its supply chain network aligns with its remarkable growth trajectory. As the world's largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, Ace Hardware operates over 5,700 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. The company's commitment to local communities and its helpful hardware folks has made it a trusted name since its establishment in 1924.
With its new distribution center in Missouri, Ace Hardware is planning to demonstrate its dedication to providing exceptional service to its retailers and customers. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and leveraging advanced technologies, Ace Hardware remains at the forefront of the industry, poised for continued success and growth in the years to come.
