NFI, an integrated supply chain solutions provider, on Tuesday, May 31, announced that it has acquired the West Coast operation of The Gilbert Co., its second acquisition this year. The purchase, terms of which were not announced entails six facilities in California’s Inland Empire, including four in Chino and one each in Santa Fe Springs and Mira Loma.
NFI says that with these additions, its warehouse space in the region now totals 7 million square feet, including the company’s existing facilities in Chino, Ontario and Perris, Calif. The company says its North American warehouse space now tops 21 million square feet with the completion of the acquisition. The Inland Empire is home to millions of square feet of warehouse space as part of a supply chain system that transports goods and materials from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the North and East.
“The acquisition enhances our capabilities in the apparel and footwear market and in our ability to bring an enhanced product offering to the retail sector,” says Joe Roeder, president of logistics and distribution for Cherry Hill, N.J.-based NFI. “We are excited to add Gilbert’s expertise in store delivery operations and their strong transportation services and distribution network in the West, which will enable us to better serve all of our customers.”
NFI says customers of the newly expanded facilities include high-end apparel brands in the clothing and shoe retail sector and a number of retailers. “Every expansion of our services and facilities enables our company to grow and improve our ability to service our customers across the supply chain spectrum,” says Sid Brown, chief executive officer. “The combination of organic growth and a series of strategic acquisitions over the past decade has enabled us to strengthen our position through the expansion of our geographic footprint, the addition of warehouse and transportation assets and the attraction of talented personnel.”
The Gilbert Co., a Maersk subsidiary, will continue to operate its facility in Keasbey, N.J., under the Gilbert brand name and the existing management team.
