Automotive aftermarket replacement parts manufacturer and distributor Standard Motor Products announced the opening of its national distribution center in Shawnee, KS.

The 575,000-square-foot Shawnee facility officially opened on June 23, adding over 200,000 net square feet to SMP’s distribution network and offering a central U.S. location to shorten transportation lead times and enhance service coverage.

SMP said the new DC features logistics technology to boost efficiency and ensure fast, reliable product delivery. With this addition, SMP added that it will implement a multi-point distribution strategy focused on high-volume, fast-moving SKUs.

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Located less than five miles from the existing Edwardsville facility, the Shawnee center enables SMP to retain its current associates and management team. The company plans to phase out operations at the Edwardsville DC by the end of the year.

“We are excited to fully open our new Shawnee distribution center that will expand our capacity, improve turnaround times and provide automation efficiencies for our customers, ensuring our supply chain efforts keep pace with their growing demand,” SMP Chairman and CEO Eric Sills said in a June 19 news release.