CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – VIPAR Heavy Duty plans to open new parts distribution centers in the eastern and western U.S. by the end of this year.

A specialty of the new operation will be the assembly of new and remanufactured brake shoes and related products. The facilities will be located in key locations in order for VIPAR Heavy Duty to provide timely service to its distributors and customers across North America.

This new business will operate under Global Parts Network LLC (GPN), an independent company that provides seamless service support exclusively to the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors and suppliers.

VIPAR made the announcement this week at its Annual Business Conference in Las Vegas. VIPAR said the DCs will become operational in the fourth quarter of 2008.

“We are excited to make this strategic announcement today to our distributor/shareholders,” said Steve Crowley, president and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “These new operations will enable our distributors to remain competitive with a consistent supply line. With the support of key suppliers, we believe this new initiative will be well received in the marketplace and allow us to best serve the needs of our distributors and their customers.”