Safelite opens distribution center near Los Angeles

Safelite AutoGlass, Columbus, Ohioopened its new distribution center in Ontario, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles in San Bernadino County, Calif., according to a July 16 release.At 282,000 square feet, the facility is the largest operation for Safelite, and for its parent company, Belron, which operates in 30 countries.

“We at Safelite AutoGlass have been committed and will continue to be committed to doing our part in boosting the California economy,” saidTom Feeney,president and CEO, at the opening event, according to the release. “I hope our efforts serve, in some small measure, as a pivotal step toward a strong future for Safelite, for Californians, and for the U.S.”

More than 200 people attended the grand opening event, which was staged in the center of the distribution facility and featured the 35 employees hired by the company in May.

The company brings more than $4.7 million in tax and ancillary revenues to California’s economy. In 2008, Safelite employed about 435 Californians and served more than 300,000 California customers, according to the release.

The Ontario facility will support distribution of vehicle glass to the states west of the Mississippi River. It will store 120,000 windshields and 30,000 other vehicle glass parts. The distribution center has the potential to grow to 90 jobs as volume increases. It is expected to be fully operational by Aug. 1.

The distribution center marks a continuation of the company’s aggressive growth plans, according to the release. Beginning this year, Safelite plans to re-invest $38 million in profits to support growth. In addition to the Ontario facility, these initiatives include:

• Opening six new warehouses across the country (in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Texas)• Relocating 10 existing warehouses for added inventory• Expanding inventory to allow for cross-border deliveries with Canada• Opening its third national contact center, creating 300 jobs in Columbus, Ohio• Remodeling numerous store locations• Launching a national radio advertising campaign

Belron chief executive officer Gary Lubner noted that Safelite’s commitment to California also extends to its natural resources. To that end, the new facility includes a number of ecologically-friendly elements. Further, by expanding the company’s distribution network, Safelite will reduce its outbound mileage by an estimated 1 million miles annually.

“One of our global strategic initiatives is centered on social responsibility,” Lubner said in the release. “We have a fundamental belief that as business leaders we have a responsibility to give back to support local communities and also as an obligation to do whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprint and help the environment. And here at our newest DC we have taken on this challenge.”