APT Auto Parts has marked the opening of its first Ontario distribution centre with a grand opening event that drew about 250 customers, suppliers and other industry guests to Grimsby.
The Burnaby, B.C.-based aftermarket collision parts distributor hosted the Aug. 13 event at its new 6,500-square-metre [70,000 sq. ft.] facility at 270 Hunter Rd. Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan presented a plaque and took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
APT president and CEO John Abu-Ata said the turnout exceeded his expectations.
“We could barely fit everybody in the room,” Abu-Ata said. “I couldn’t believe how many people were there.”
An exotic-car display included vehicles brought by friends of John Molnar Sr. and a selection from Ultimate Exotics.
Suppliers also travelled to Ontario for the opening. Abu-Ata said the president of California-based Maximum Lighting attended despite a flight delay that resulted in an arrival at about 2:30 a.m.
For Abu-Ata, the turnout reflected the importance of relationships to the business.
“Business is about relationships,” he said. “You take care of them, they take care of you. This is how it works.”
The Ontario expansion followed the acquisition of A-1 Auto Parts Ltd., a Hamilton-area parts business operated by John Molnar Sr. and his family for about 45 years.
Molnar Sr. is retiring, while his son, John Molnar Jr., is serving as general manager of the Grimsby operation. Abu-Ata said all A-1 employees were retained and the proximity of Grimsby to the former operation helped employees make the move.
About 25 to 30 employees were working at the warehouse around the time of the opening, with additional containers of inventory still arriving.
“John Jr. is really the key to all of this, him and his team,” Abu-Ata said. “They have worked for a month getting this place ready.”
APT was established in British Columbia in 1980 by Abu-Ata’s parents after they immigrated to Canada from Lebanon. Abu-Ata now runs the family business with his brother Jim Abu-Ata and sister Suzy Hodali.
The Grimsby warehouse will primarily support customers in Ontario and Quebec, with shipments also available farther east, including Newfoundland.
“Our goal is to be nationwide,” Abu-Ata said. “Without Ontario, you really can’t do it.”
