In support of the company’s strategic growth plan, FleetPride – an independent aftermarket distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts – announced that it has completed the acquisition of Florida-based Multibearings Service Co. Inc. FleetPride also announced that it has further expanded its presence in Georgia with the opening of a new 5,000-square-foot branch in Gainesville.
Multibearings Service has one location in the Miami-Dade/Broward County area – a 10,000-square-foot facility in Hialeah. Multibearings Service, owned by father and son Sergio and Sandro Valencia, has been in business since 1985. Sandro Valencia will join the FleetPride team as the Hialeah branch manager, and FleetPride has extended employment offers to all Multibearings Service’s employees.
“The Multibearings Service team has over 45 years of experience in the heavy-duty truck part industry,” says Pete Painter, vice president and general manager of the Southeast region for FleetPride, based in The Woodlands, Texas. “They are a welcome addition to the FleetPride family.”
“This strategic acquisition is consistent with our approach to expanding our national footprint,” says Mike Paxton, vice president of business development and strategic planning. “Miami-Dade County is a sizeable and dense market – and one in which we did not previously have a presence. Our new location in Hialeah will allow us to provide greater value to customers in South Florida.”
FleetPride says the Gainesville branch – located inside The Truck Center, an existing FleetCare affiliate – represents the company’s 10th location in Georgia. The company already has locations in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Conley, Dalton, Lawrenceville, Macon, Marietta and Savannah.
“FleetPride is strategically positioned to better serve our customers,” Painter says. “Opening the Gainesville branch is consistent with our approach to expanding our national footprint and is part of our overall strategy of enhancing our service level to both local and national accounts.”
Billy Brookshire, a 25-year industry veteran, will lead the Gainesville location as branch manager. “Billy and his team are committed to customer service,” says Rick Turner, director of Southeast East operations. “Our customers can count on FleetPride for quality parts, expert advice and assistance, and reliable and prompt delivery. We look forward to serving the Gainesville market.”
