FCA opening parts distribution center in Winchester

FCA US LLC said Thursday it is investing $12.2 million in an automobile parts distribution center in Winchester. The 400,000-plus square-foot facility is expected to create more than 70 jobs.

FCA, based in Auburn Hills, Mich.,  is the U.S. subsidiary of London-based Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. FCA  has started preliminary work in Winchester on the Mopar Parts Distribution Center, which expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Mopar is the service parts and customer care brand of FCA.

The new Mopar facility will handle the distribution of parts to more than 200 dealerships, primarily in the mid-Atlantic region, other locations on the East Coast and in the Midwest and South.

Once fully operational, the facility is projected to ship approximately 9.2 million pieces annually.

“The opening of the Virginia [distribution center] will significantly increase our dealer network strength in this important and growing market, improving customer service by delivering faster and more efficiently parts and accessories to dealerships…” Pietro Gorlier, who is head of parts and service (Mopar), FCA – Global, said in a statement. 

In addition to creating 70 jobs, FCA will use local resources for areas such as janitorial services, facilities management and exterior building maintenance.

The Virginia facility will be one of 22 parts distribution centers in North America and 53 worldwide, including joint ventures.

The new Mopar distribution center will also be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.