xpedx to Open Mega-Distribution Center in Aurora, Ill.

Xpedx, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, is opening a new 320,000 sq ft mega-distribution center this fall in Aurora, Ill., with increased inventory, a state-of-the-art warehouse management system, and an advanced, best-in-class package design center. The expansion will nearly double xpedx's Chicago employee base in the expansion.

"xpedx needs to expand to serve our growing customer base in Chicago more efficiently," said David Watson, GM, xpedx Chicago. He added that xpedx will deliver packaging, printing, and facility supplies and services to manufacturers, printers, and facility managers from the new mega-distribution center.

"The package design center is part of a nationwide network of structural and graphic specialists and engineers that deliver packaging solutions to our customers to improve their product marketing, protection, speed to market, and costs," Watson said. "This design center will support both our xpedx and Fidelity Container customers."

Mary Laschinger, xpedx president, says the Chicago expansion is an outcome of a nationwide strategy to reposition xpedx distribution centers to grow with its customers.

"Our new mega-distribution centers will be more efficient for our customers and our xpedx business," Laschinger said. "In recent years xpedx has grown its distribution network through acquisition. Our strategy moving forward ensures we have more ideal geographic locations to grow with customers. We're also using the mega-centers to help streamline customer purchasing and improve our own cost effectiveness. We look forward to growing with our customers."

Xpedx, a business of International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., is one of the largest distribution companies in North America. It distributes a wide variety of print, packaging, and facility solutions supplies and equipment to printers, manufacturers, retailers, and commercial facilities across North America

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