Two area auto parts stores close

The Main Auto Parts stores in Centerville and Vandalia closed Tuesday as part of a strategic consolidation plan by their corporate owner, Uni-Select Inc. of Quebec, Canada.

The Main Auto Parts location at 3841 Salem Ave. in Dayton will remain open to continue to serve the area, said Karine Vachon, a company spokeswoman.

Uni-Select on July 11 announced plans for an “optimization” of its U.S. distribution network that included the closing or sale of 48 stores, Vachon said.

The plan also calls for the closure of 12 U.S. distribution centers and the opening of two regional distribution centers. Implementation of the plan is expected to be complete in late 2014.

The restructuring of U.S. operations will eliminate 156 jobs, officials said. The number of local job losses was not immediately available.

The re-organization will save Uni-Select an estimated $10 million this year and an additional $15 million in 2014, officials said.

Uni-Select distributes replacement parts, equipment, tools, accessories, paint and related products in North America. The company’s website lists 16 locations in Ohio, including the now-closed stores in Centerville and Vandalia.

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