The Automotive Distribution Network recently announced that two of the group’s longtime Auto Pride members have earned new distinction as Parts Plus shareholders: Northwest New Jersey’s Lakeland Auto Parts, and State Automotive Warehouse, whose two Providence, Rhode Island-based Action Auto Parts locations serve all of Rhode Island as well as southern and southeastern Massachusetts.

“When our group merged Auto Pride with CMB in 2013, we outlined a clear path for the Network’s niche members to follow to become Parts Plus shareholders,” said David Prater, president of The Network. “Lakeland Auto Parts and State Automotive are two of our fastest-growing members that have expanded their respective businesses and worked diligently to become line common with the group’s shareholders. These two new shareholders have earned the increased name recognition and enhanced buying power that come with being a Parts Plus member.”

Operated by co-owners David Donus and Daina Onello, Lakeland Auto Parts is a third-generation, full-service warehouse, primarily servicing independent repair shop customers from its soon-to-be eight locations throughout Northwest, New Jersey.

“We’re planning a huge rollout in early 2019 to introduce the Parts Plus Car Care Center program to approximately 10 to 12 of our best service dealer customers,” said Donus. “We feel our distinction as a Parts Plus shareholder will not only positively affect our relationships with the group’s vendors but also provide us with more co-branding product opportunities. Upon completing upgrading our locations with new signage and striping, we plan to leverage the Parts Plus name recognition as we continue to expand.”

For State Automotive and its Action Auto Parts locations, the transition to Parts Plus shareholder status will be seamless, said company Owner and Founder Robert Daly.

“Everybody has programs and pricing discounts, but not everyone has the right people in place to back it up — the Network is a group that emphasizes good people and strong relationships, which complements our own philosophy very well,” Daly explains. “As a Parts Plus shareholder, we will continue to offer state-of-the-art training programs designed to increase productivity and profitability. Most important, we remain committed to building customer partnerships that last. We believe the elements in the Parts Plus toolbox, in particular the Car Care Center program, will enable Action Auto Parts to become even better business partners moving forward.”