Portland-based auto parts distributor and retailer Baxter Auto Parts/Performance Warehouse has acquired Local Interstate Auto Parts Warehouse (IAPW), a longtime supplier of automotive parts to fleet and automotive service customers. The acquisition was finalized on Sept. 27.

Baxter Auto Parts is a regional retail chain of Auto Parts stores with 35 locations in Washington, Oregon and California. It is a subsidiary of family owned Performance Warehouse, one of the predominant auto parts warehouses and distribution centers in the Pacific Northwest.

IAPW employs a staff of eight at its Salem, Oregon, headquarters. The company, which has been in business since the mid 1970s, provides auto parts to mechanics, jobbers, fleets and government agencies throughout the Northwest.

After more than 38 years of running the business, owner Ann Patterson is retiring. Patterson says she is particularly happy that Baxter Auto Parts/Performance Warehouse will be carrying the business forward because of its deep resources and the fact that it’s a local Northwest company. “I feel good that all our hard work to establish a strong reputation for providing quality parts at great prices for our customers will continue into the future,” Patterson said.

Baxter Auto Parts/Performance Warehouse is in the process of integrating Interstate Auto Parts’ stock into its inventory management system and operations for even better efficiencies and service. Bonnie Delaney, vice president of sales and marketing, said, “This is a very exciting addition to Performance Warehouse and Baxter Auto Parts. It fits our capabilities perfectly, and compliments Interstate’s service-driven business model.”