MSC opens Ohio facility

MSC Industrial Supply, Melville, N.Y., opened its fifth distribution center, or Customer Fulfillment Center, in Columbus, Ohio. The distributor of MRO supplies marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

MSC first announced plans for the new facility in 2012 when it purchased the 70-acre plot where the 400,000 sq.-ft. facility now sits. The new CFC is currently home to 100 full-time associates, a number that is expected to grow to 300 by the end of 2017. The site is also designed to accommodate future expansion. 

"Our Columbus CFC will allow us to serve our customers, and particularly those in the Midwest, even better," said Erik Gershwind, president and CEO of MSC.

Gershwind thanked the partners who made it possible for MSC to expand in a region that provides easy access to key markets and resources. "The quality of talent here in Columbus is exceptionally high and will play a key role in helping us efficiently manage and expand our service volume," Gershwind said. "We are excited to open our doors here today and look forward to being a reliable fixture in the Columbus community for many years to come."

"Governor Kasich and I are thrilled that MSC wanted to be a key contributor in helping us fulfill one of our top priorities—creating jobs in Ohio," said Ohio's Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor. "MSC's opening today is yet another indicator of the strengths of the Columbus region—its central location and transportation system, our constant monitoring of the costs of doing business, and our strong talent pool of workers are all compelling reasons to grow your business in the region. Most of all, we are excited that Columbus will be a place where MSC can take root and continue to grow long into the future."

MSC invested $55.5 million in the Columbus facility. In addition, Columbus2020, the City of Columbus, the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, Franklin County, Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority and Columbia Gas worked to structure an incentive package, with tax and other incentives totaling approximately $9 million over the course of 10 years.

MSC Industrial Supply's new Customer Fulfillment Center located in Columbus, Ohio is currently home to 100 full-time associates, and is expected to grow to around 300 by year-end 2017.

[Left to right] MSC Vice President of Supply Chain Operations, Dave Kipe; MSC President and CEO, Erik Gershwind; Chief Economic Officer, Columbus 2020 Kenny McDonald; and MSC Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Operations Doug Jones cut the ribbon at the official grand opening of MSC's new Columbus Customer Fulfillment Center.