Ocala's central location is once again being cited as a reason to establish a distribution center here.
The latest example isECMD,a North Carolina-based company that is one of the nation's largest providers of specialty building products such as mouldings and stair parts.
In September, ECMD established a 135,000-square-foot distribution center at 4450 NW 11th St., which is north of State Road 40 West and west of Interstate 75.
“Ocala is a strategic location that allows us to better serve our customers throughout Florida while creating a strong platform for future growth,” Mac Mayberry, the company's executive vice president, is quoted as saying in a company news release.
Ocala's access to I-75 and proximity to Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa/St. Pete
and other cities have helped make it a logistics and distribution center hub, with multiple major centers including the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park, whose players include FedEx and Chewy; and, further south, the Trailhead Logistics Parkandthe Florida Crossroads Commerce Park, which features the Dollar Tree distribution center.
ECMD says its Ocala center will serve Florida and neighboring Southeastern markets. It's expected to create 20 new jobs at the beginning and possible more down the road.
ECMD has 15 other distribution centers to help it and its family of companies serve a nationwide customer base.
jross@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: National company establishes Ocala distribution center
