QBP (Quality Bicycle Parts) will move its East Coast distribution center over the New Year holiday, shutting down operations at days end Dec. 26 at the rented space its occupied for three years and reopening Jan. 5 in its new permanent home near Lancaster, PA. The temporary closure will extend shipping times slightly for East Coast dealers orders.
The opening of the 120,000-square-foot facility is a significant step in QBPs ongoing strategy to support retailers.
This will greatly expand our ability to serve independent specialty retailers on the eastern seaboard, said Dave Smith, Q-East site manager. This warehouse means more products, more variety, and fast ground shipping.
The building could eventually expand to 200,000 square feet with capacity for over 30,000 SKUs, and Smith anticipates more hiring as the new facility ramps up over the next few years.
In addition to more shipping staff, were exploring adding a regional customer service call center and an accounts receivable department, Smith said.
The new building reflects QBP values, such as personal health and environmental sustainability. It was built using energy efficient LEED and Energy Star methods, using recovered materials and energy saving technologies such as water efficient toilets, Digital Lumens LED smart lighting, and SolaTubes to supplement electric light with natural sunlight. Like QBPs other buildings, it is equipped with locker rooms, showers, and bicycle day storage aimed at encouraging employees to ride to work.
The new Q-East was built in under 12 months and its completion means QBP can focus on opening a second West Coast distribution center, a small satellite warehouse set to open in Reno, NV in late 2015. The warehouse will complement the companys Ogden, UT, facility and offer all West Coast dealers fast, efficient ground shipping on a wide selection of QBP products.
