Westlake Pipe & Fittings Expands Operations with New Distribution Center in Florida

Rhea-AI Summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings has inaugurated a new distribution center in Lakeland, Florida, significantly bolstering its operational capabilities. The facility, spanning nearly 200,000 square feet with additional outdoor pipe storage, triples the company's storage capacity in the area. This strategic expansion helps consolidate operations from multiple sites, streamlining order fulfillment for customers across various market segments. The Lakeland center is part of a broader expansion plan, marking the fifth distribution center, with three more slated for 2024 and further growth anticipated in 2025.

Positive

• Opening of a 200,000 sq ft distribution center in Lakeland, Florida.
• Tripling of storage capacity in the region, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Consolidation of pipe and fittings from multiple sites, improving order fulfillment.
• Strategic location aids in serving six market segments efficiently.
• Streamlined procurement process for customers, increasing satisfaction.
• Expansion is part of a broader growth strategy, with three more centers planned for 2024 and continued growth in 2025.

Negative

• Increased operational costs due to the expansion of the distribution network.
• Potential logistical challenges during the transition to the new facility.
• Investment in the new center may impact short-term financial performance.

The new distribution center offers enhanced delivery services of pipe & fittings systems, strengthening the commitment to customer satisfaction

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westlake Pipe & Fittings announces the grand opening of a new distribution center in Lakeland, Florida, a milestone in the company’s strategic expansion efforts.

Westlake Pipe & Fittings’ new facility in Lakeland, Florida features close to 200,000 square feet of warehouse storage. (Photo: Business Wire)

The new facility, featuring close to 200,000 square feet of warehouse storage for PVC fittings and an additional four acres dedicated to pipe storage, triples the available storage capacity in the region.

“With the continued growth of the business, we've outpaced the warehouse storage capacity at our existing Florida distribution center,” said Andre Battistin, vice president of Westlake Pipe & Fittings. “This distribution center will allow us to consolidate our pipe and fittings from multiple sites into one location, and promptly fill orders for both products.”

The strategic location of the Lakeland distribution center enables Westlake Pipe & Fittings to offer unparalleled service to its customers across six market segments: Municipal, Plumbing, Electrical, Agriculture & Irrigation, Water Well, and Pool & Spa. Customers can now streamline their procurement process by placing one purchase order, with shipments reliably delivered on time and in full.

“As we work toward providing a more interconnected and streamlined approach to our business, many of our customers see value in purchasing a complete PVC pipe and fittings system from the same company,” said Battistin. “As a critical part of our growth strategy and the focus to better serve our customers, we’ll continue to expand the distribution network, increasing the size and number of distribution centers across North America.”

Lakeland represents the fifth distribution center expanded with plans to add three more in 2024, focused on the Northeast and the West Coast, and continued expansion in 2025.

For more information visit www.westlakepipe.com.

About Westlake Pipe & Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturers in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets, including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, electrical, water well, pool & spa, and agriculture & irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and pipe and fitting systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation™. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240515585644/en/

Ann Dodson

adodson@westlakepipe.com

Source: Westlake Pipe & Fittings

FAQ

What is the significance of Westlake Pipe & Fittings' new distribution center in Lakeland, Florida?

The new distribution center significantly enhances storage capacity and operational efficiency, helping to consolidate operations and improve order fulfillment.

How large is the new Westlake distribution center in Lakeland, Florida?

The new facility spans close to 200,000 square feet, with an additional four acres dedicated to pipe storage.

What market segments does the new Lakeland distribution center serve?

The center serves Municipal, Plumbing, Electrical, Agriculture & Irrigation, Water Well, and Pool & Spa segments.

What are the future expansion plans for Westlake Pipe & Fittings' distribution network?

Westlake plans to add three more distribution centers in 2024, focusing on the Northeast and West Coast, with continued expansion anticipated in 2025.

How will the new Lakeland distribution center affect Westlake Pipe & Fittings' order fulfillment?

The center will streamline the procurement process for customers, allowing for reliable and timely delivery of orders.