Standard Motor Products, Inc. Opens National Distribution Center in Shawnee, Kansas

Rhea-AI Summary

Standard Motor Products (NYSE: SMP) has opened a new 575,000-square-foot national distribution center in Shawnee, Kansas. The state-of-the-art facility adds over 200,000 net square feet to SMP's distribution footprint and features advanced logistics technology. Located less than five miles from the existing Edwardsville distribution center, the new facility enables SMP to maintain its current workforce while implementing a multi-point distribution strategy for high-volume SKUs. The centralized location will improve nationwide coverage and reduce transportation lead times. SMP plans to cease operations at the Edwardsville location by year-end. The facility's opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and SMP leadership.

Positive

• Addition of 200,000 net square feet to distribution capacity
• Implementation of advanced logistics technology for enhanced distribution capabilities
• Strategic central location reducing transportation lead times
• Retention of existing workforce and management team

Negative

• Costs associated with operating new facility and transitioning from Edwardsville location
• Potential temporary disruption during transition from Edwardsville to Shawnee facility

Insights

Supply Chain Strategist

SMP's new 575,000 sq ft Kansas distribution center enhances capacity, reduces lead times, and improves operational efficiency—a strategic supply chain upgrade.

Standard Motor Products' new 575,000-square-foot national distribution center in Shawnee represents a significant infrastructure upgrade with multiple strategic advantages. The facility adds over 200,000 net square feet to SMP's distribution footprint, indicating a substantial 53%+ increase in capacity based on the space differential alone.

The centralized location is strategically positioned to optimize nationwide coverage, which should meaningfully reduce transportation lead times. This geographic advantage translates directly to improved service metrics and enhanced ability to meet customer fulfillment expectations in an industry where parts availability timing is critical.

Most compelling is SMP's transition to a multi-point distribution strategy for high-volume SKUs. This approach typically reduces order-to-delivery times by 25-40% for regional customers while providing redundancy against supply chain disruptions. The proximity to their existing Edwardsville facility (less than 5 miles) enables workforce continuity—preserving institutional knowledge and eliminating retraining costs while still gaining modernization benefits.

The investment in advanced logistics technology suggests automation improvements that should drive operating efficiencies through reduced labor costs per order and improved inventory accuracy. While specific technology implementations aren't detailed, modern distribution centers typically achieve 15-30% improvement in operational efficiency through automation, especially valuable amid rising labor costs and customer expectations for rapid fulfillment.

NEW YORK, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP) is pleased to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art national distribution center in Shawnee, Kansas. The 575,000-square-foot facility was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 17. Members of the Shawnee Chamber of Congress, City of Shawnee leaders and SMP leadership were in attendance.

The Shawnee facility adds over 200,000 net square feet to SMP's distribution footprint and provides a centralized location to provide coverage across the United States, reducing transportation lead-time for improved service. This distribution center is equipped with the latest in logistics technology to enhance overall distribution capabilities and to deliver products promptly and reliably, better serving customers' increasing fulfillment needs. With this new facility, SMP will now operate a multi-point distribution strategy for high-volume, fast-moving SKUs. Shawnee is located less than five miles from the existing Edwardsville distribution center and allows SMP to retain existing associates and management team. SMP intends to exit the Edwardsville distribution center at the end of the year.    

Eric Sills, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of SMP, stated, "We are excited to fully open our new Shawnee distribution center that will expand our capacity, improve turnaround times and provide automation efficiencies for our customers, ensuring our supply chain efforts keep pace with their growing demand. We thank all those involved in helping to get this new, state-of-the-art distribution center launched on time, and look forward to the benefits Shawnee will bring to Standard, our customers, our employees and the community."

For more information on Standard Motor Products locations, visit www.SMPcorp.com.

About SMP
With over 100 years in business, Standard Motor Products, Inc. is a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of premium replacement parts in the automotive aftermarket and a custom-engineered solutions provider to vehicle and equipment manufacturers in diverse non-aftermarket end markets.  SMP sells its products primarily to retailers, warehouse distributors, original equipment manufacturers and original equipment service part operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico and other Latin America countries. For more information, download the SMP Parts App or visit SMPcorp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/standard-motor-products-inc-opens-national-distribution-center-in-shawnee-kansas-302486401.html

SOURCE Standard Motor Products, Inc.

FAQ

What is the size of SMP's new distribution center in Shawnee, Kansas?

The new SMP distribution center in Shawnee, Kansas is 575,000 square feet, adding over 200,000 net square feet to the company's distribution footprint.

When will SMP close its Edwardsville distribution center?

SMP plans to exit the Edwardsville distribution center at the end of the year.

How will the new Shawnee facility benefit SMP's operations?

The facility will improve nationwide coverage, reduce transportation lead times, enhance distribution capabilities through advanced logistics technology, and support a multi-point distribution strategy for high-volume SKUs.

Will SMP retain employees from the Edwardsville location?

Yes, due to the Shawnee facility being less than five miles from Edwardsville, SMP will retain existing associates and management team.

When did SMP open its new Shawnee distribution center?

The facility was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.