NTP-STAG News Article

Keystone Automotive Operations Opens Florida Distribution Center

  • 3/1/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Harneet Kaur

EXETER, PA (March 1, 2022) – Today, Keystone Automotive Operations, the leading wholesale distributor and marketer of automotive, RV, and marine aftermarket products and services, announced the opening of its newest distribution center in Ocoee, Florida. The 200,000 sq. ft. Orlando area facility will service the company’s automotive, RV and marine retail customer base throughout the state. The location brings Keystone’s network of nationwide distribution centers to eight in addition to 37 stand-alone cross-dock facilities, increasing the company’s total distribution footprint across North America to approximately three million square feet.
“We are elated to be a part of communities of Ocoee and greater Orlando,” said Keystone Automotive Operations President, Bill Rogers. “The local government has been wonderful to work with and very helpful with the process of opening a large distribution center there. This Central Florida location positions our inventory in the heart of our Florida automotive, RV and Marine customer base, allowing us to provide enhanced service with later cut times and in many cases, earlier daily delivery times.”
“I am delighted that Keystone Automotive Operations has joined the growing list of nationally ranked employers in the Ocoee Business Park,” said Ocoee, Florida Mayor Rusty Johnson. “Keystone will be occupying 200,000 square feet of space in the park while bringing well-paying jobs, which in turn will support the high quality residential and retail environment that we are striving for in Ocoee.”

With inventory shipments and early operations underway, the facility will be staffed by a team of more than 50 and serviced by the company’s private trucking fleet which distributes aftermarket products for all the industries we serve under the Keystone Automotive Operations, NTP-STAG and SeaWide distribution brands, respectively. The increased capacity promises to optimize the corporation’s cross-dock structure while increasing delivery and reach, ensuring improved, expanded service into regions such as Miami and the Florida Keys.

“We are constantly analyzing and evaluating improved methods to help our customers grow and be more competitive in their respective marketplaces,” said Keystone Automotive Operations Vice President of Fulfillment, John Ruch. “Consumer demand for the products we distribute continues to increase. This Florida facility will help us to meet the needs of our customers, and in turn, meet that retail demand. Our Florida inventory mix will ensure we continue to improve our product availability with the best-in-industry lead times for the end consumers.”

Florida based property management and development firm, McCraney Property Company assisted in locating the Ocoee building, which was constructed jointly by C4 Architecture, Greer Construction and North West Handling.

This newest distribution center incorporates years of experience operating Keystone Automotive Operations distribution centers throughout the country.
“Our Orlando site will hit the ground running smoothly, having honed our best practices for safety and efficiency through our in-house warehouse management software systems, standard operating procedures, and most importantly, the collective experience of our team members whose commitment and energy are the backbone of the company,” added Ruch.

To learn more about Keystone Automotive Operations, please visit keystoneautomotive.com.

About Keystone Automotive Operations:
Keystone Automotive Operations is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive, RV, and marine aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them everything they need, when they need it.

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Expo 2024 Makes a Splash in Florida Showcase

Exeter, PA (January 24, 2024) – Expo 2024, presented by Airxcel, delivered its magic on January 15-16, 2024, at the spectacular Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. The annual event, curated by the leading distribution company in the recreational vehicle aftermarket, NTP-STAG alongside SeaWide Marine Distribution seamlessly brought together the RV and marine aftermarkets, delivering an unparalleled experience for industry professionals.

This year's Expo marked the first-time collaboration with SeaWide Distribution, introducing prominent marine suppliers alongside the RV industry's premier product manufacturers. "Bringing Expo to Kissimmee for the first time provided us with a tremendous opportunity to produce an event that aligns these exciting outdoor recreational activities in one fantastic location in Central Florida,” said NTP-STAG President, Bill Rogers. “The setting offered the ideal backdrop for showcasing the energy of Expo with its atmosphere of innovation, education and connection.”

Expo 2024 kicked off with a thought-provoking talk by Sterling Hawkins, founder of the #nomatterwhat movement and author of the best-selling book 'Hunting Discomfort.' Sponsored by PRO suppliers, Hawkins delved into the inevitability of discomfort in a world disrupted by technology, pandemic changes, and uncertainty. Attendees gained valuable insights into building resilience and achieving breakthrough growth in the face of adversity. Day one then showcased PRO educational speakers, supplier product seminars, maximum-capacity NMEA certification classes, and an opening reception that offered a preview of the show floor.

Day two excitement began with basketball legend Bill Walton delivering a keynote address, sponsored by Carefree of Colorado. Walton, celebrated for his success on the hardwood with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, shared leadership and teamwork lessons extending beyond the basketball court. Following his talk, the Hall of Famer visited with attendees in the Carefree of Colorado booth.

“Beyond his speaking engagement, Bill Walton arrived in Orlando with a genuine interest in the industry and set out to immerse himself in the show, the culture and the people engaged in the RV and Marine aftermarkets,” added Rogers. “After circulating among attendees and taking in the atmosphere of the overall Expo experience, the personalization of his presentation, including mentioning ‘There are no guarantees in life, unless you are waiting for a delivery from NTP-STAG/SeaWide Distribution’ was appreciated and warmly received by everyone in the audience.”

Throughout the day, NTP-STAG and SeaWide customers from across North America engaged on the show floor, interacting with exhibits from selected leading industry manufacturers, culminating in a special reception.

“Expo presented a platform for attendees to acquire invaluable knowledge and cultivate important industry connections, while fully immersing themselves in an environment tailor-made for success,” added Rogers.

The event culminated with celebrated American Idol Winner Noah Thompson, sponsored by Dometic. Through his journey of resilience, and musical talent resonating with the core values and spirit of Expo, Thompson’s performance served as a fitting conclusion to an outstanding event shared by both the RV and marine industries.

"Through the hard work of our events team combined with the efforts and participation of our supplier partners, we were able to produce a memorable event in Kissimmee,” Rogers concluded. “We are grateful to all those partners who were a part of the event, along with the professional and committed staff of the Gaylord Palms who worked diligently alongside our events team contributing immensely to the success and smooth execution of the event. Each year we strive to offer Expo a show experience unlike any other for our customers. We know their time is valuable and are grateful that they traveled from across North America to join us for a fantastic event in Florida.”
For more information about the sensational Expo 2024 and details on attending future events, visit expo.ntpstag.com.


About NTP-STAG

For more than 50 years, NTP-STAG has been serving RV dealers, retailers, and service professionals across the industry. Today, as a division of LKQ Specialty, the company is highly regarded as the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle market and is uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. NTP-STAG is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it.

2024 Expo Preview

Exeter, PA (January 11, 2024) – Expo 2024, presented by Airxcel is set to unfold on January 15-16, 2024, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. The annual event, produced by the leading distribution company in the recreational vehicle aftermarket, NTP-STAG alongside SeaWide Marine Distribution, seamlessly integrates the best of both the RV and marine industries, ensuring a unique experience for industry professionals.

This year's Expo marks the inaugural collaboration with SeaWide Distribution, introducing prominent marine suppliers alongside the RV industry's premier product manufacturers, providing customers with a comprehensive best-in-class experience.

"We continue to expand our marine business, and bringing Expo to Kissimmee for the first time is a tremendous opportunity to produce an event that aligns these exciting outdoor recreational activities in one fantastic location," said NTP-STAG President, Bill Rogers.

Expo 2024 will kick off with a thought-provoking talk by Sterling Hawkins, founder of the #nomatterwhat movement and author of the best-selling book 'Hunting Discomfort.' Sponsored by PRO suppliers, Hawkins will delve into the inevitability of discomfort in a world disrupted by technology, pandemic induced changes, and uncertainty. Attendees will gain valuable insights into building resilience and achieving breakthrough growth in the face of adversity. Day one will then feature PRO (Professional Retail Organization) educational speakers, coupled with supplier product seminars and an opening reception preview of the show floor.

The second day of Expo will be highlighted by basketball legend Bill Walton delivering the keynote address, sponsored by Carefree of Colorado. Walton, celebrated for his success on the hardwood with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, will share leadership and teamwork lessons rooted in principles that extend beyond the basketball court. Following his talk, Walton will then be available to meet with attendees in the Carefree of Colorado booth.

Throughout the day, NTP-STAG and SeaWide customers from across North America will then be engaging on the show floor interacting with exhibits from selected leading industry manufacturers, culminating in a special reception.

"In addition to the presentations offered throughout the show, we believe these dynamic speakers with distinctive insights and perspectives enhance the overall Expo experience,” Rogers said. “With an extensive program featuring entertainment, product education and information combined with these insightful, featured discussions, Expo provides a comprehensive platform for attendees to gain valuable knowledge, foster industry connections, and immerse themselves in an environment tailored for success.”

Closing the curtains on this year’s show will be celebrated American Idol Winner Noah Thompson, sponsored by Dometic, as the featured entertainment. Conquering adversity to win the hearts of millions, Noah embodies the spirit of Country music. His debut song, “One Day Tonight,” released during his American Idol journey, catapulted to No. 1 on iTunes All Genres and Country charts. Still making waves, the track racks up nearly 1 million on-demand streams per week.

"Noah's journey, resilience, and musical talent align seamlessly with the core values and spirit of Expo,” said Rogers. “His performance will serve as a fitting conclusion to what we expect to be an outstanding event for both the RV and marine industries."

Located just nineteen miles from Orlando International Airport, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offers an expansive venue with more than 480,000 sq ft of event space, a newly expanded meeting facility, and room tower. The historic region provides numerous dining and entertainment options, with attractions such as Disney World, Epcot Center, and Universal Studios Florida just minutes away.

“Expo is the place where the aftermarket gathers to network, engage with suppliers, and have some fun,” concluded Rogers. “There aren’t many locations that offer the variety of opportunities to have a fantastic time than Central Florida. Now, with the addition of SeaWide and their roster of suppliers alongside NTP-STAG’s RV manufacturers, we are excited to showcase the best of everything Expo has to offer to the RV and marine industries.”

For more information about Expo and to learn about attending, please visit: expo.ntpstag.com

About NTP-STAG
For more than 50 years, NTP-STAG has been serving RV dealers, retailers, and service professionals across the industry. Today, as a division of LKQ Specialty, the company is highly regarded as the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle market and is uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. NTP-STAG is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it.

 

About SeaWide Distribution:
Serving the marine industry since 1979, SeaWide Distribution, is a national wholesale distributor of outdoor products and accessories, boat systems, and consumer and marine electronics. As a division of LKQ Specialty, SeaWide is dedicated to providing its customers with an extensive inventory, high-quality service and innovative marketing resources. Positioned as one of the largest wholesale marine aftermarket distributors in the U.S., SeaWide offers more than 50,000 products from over 300 suppliers. To learn more about SeaWide, please visit SeaWide.com or call 1-866-732-9433.

2024 NTP-STAG Expo Show Announcement

Exeter, PA (May 1, 2023) – Today, NTP-STAG the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle aftermarket, announced that Expo 2024 will feature prominent SeaWide Distribution marine suppliers in addition to the RV industry’s premier product manufacturers when it holds its annual dealer event in Kissimmee, Florida January 15-16, 2024. This collaboration marks the introduction of marine products and accessories to EXPO, providing both RV and marine distribution customers the opportunity to engage with both NTP-STAG and SeaWide suppliers under one roof at the most expansive EXPO ever.

“As the leader in RV aftermarket distribution, we take a great amount of pride in providing our customers a best-in-class experience with Expo,” said NTP-STAG/SeaWide President, Bill Rogers. “We continue to expand our marine business, and with Florida being one of the hubs of the industry, bringing Expo to Kissimmee for the first time is a tremendous opportunity to produce an event that aligns these exciting outdoor recreational activities in one fantastic location.”

Just nineteen miles from Orlando International Airport, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center venue features a newly expanded meeting facility and room tower and more than 480,000 sq ft event space.  The historic region offers a host of dining and entertainment options while local attractions such as Disney World, Epcot Center and Universal Studios Florida are just minutes away.

Day one (1) of Expo 2024 will feature PRO (Professional Retail Organization) educational speakers in addition to supplier product presentations followed by an opening reception on the show floor. 

The following day will be highlighted by NTP-STAG and SeaWide customers from across North America participating in a full day on the exhibit floor engaging in exhibits from selected leading industry manufacturers, with special reception bringing activities to a close.

“Expo is the place where the aftermarket gathers to network, engage with suppliers and have some fun,” added Rogers. “There aren’t many places with the variety of available opportunities to have a great time than Central Florida and now, with the addition of SeaWide and their roster of suppliers alongside NTP-STAG’s RV manufacturers, we are excited to showcase the best of everything EXPO has to offer to the RV and marine industries,” added Rogers.

 

For more information about Expo, please visit: https://expo.ntpstag.com/

About Expo 2024

Expo, the RV industry’s premier industry-only wholesale buying show is presented in 2024 by RV aftermarket distributor NTP-STAG, along with marine aftermarket distributor SeaWide to bring the RV and marine industry under one roof for one huge event the first time. This engaging platform provides NTP-STAG and SeaWide customers exclusive access to manufacturer product showcases, educational seminars, show-only promotions, special events, and industry networking opportunities. EXPO attendees receive a first-hand look at new products and innovations while learning detailed information directly from suppliers in a casual, relaxed setting.

 

As the leading forum where the RV business assembles for valuable interaction, Expo, now with the addition of marine, is where professionals, including the industry’s leading suppliers, their representatives and RV and marine dealers can learn about exciting industry advances while sharing knowledge and meaningful insights.

 

Do not miss this once-a-year event that brings the entire RV and marine industries together!
NTP-STAG Expo Kicks Off 2023 in Colorado

Exeter, PA (January 26, 2023) – The RV industry assembled in Aurora, Colorado at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center for the 2023 edition of NTP-STAG Expo Presented by Airxcel January 16-17, 2023. The two-day event held at the facilities’ picturesque lodge setting with the snowcapped Rocky Mountains in the distance, showcased manufacturer product displays, educational seminars, show-only promotions, exclusive special events, and industry networking opportunities. EXPO, held annually by the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle aftermarket, saw impressive attendance as RV dealers from across the United States and Canada capitalized on the opportunity to connect at the show’s first time visit to the state of Colorado.

Early attendees to the two-day EXPO took part in Sunday’s Welcome Reception sponsored by Lippert where they had the chance to meet and engage with Monday’s Pro Kick Off Breakfast Speaker, Brian Billick. The affable Billick, head coach of Super Bowl XXXV (35) Champion Baltimore Ravens for nine seasons, recounted stories of his career, took photos, and spent an engaging evening as guests reveled in the experience of interacting with the championship winning football coach. He then opened the show on Monday by sharing his Twelve Principals of Success with the audience before they embarked on a full day of informative RV University PRO educational seminars presented by several of the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers.

“With playoff games in the background and Coach Billick in attendance, the opening reception was a perfect opportunity for everyone to arrive in Colorado and enjoy the atmosphere of the wonderful facility. This was the first year we’ve hosted this activity the evening before the show and it was a tremendous success,” said NTP-STAG President, Bill Rogers. “As the kickoff speaker, Billick engaged the audience with anecdotes and philosophies that can only be gained from reaching the pinnacle of his profession which provided an outstanding introduction to the day’s activities.”

The full slate of Monday’s seminars saw standing room only attendance as dealers were eager to obtain first-hand insight from presenters who showcased the industry’s latest and most popular products. The day concluded with a preview of the EXPO’s show floor, providing a chance to socialize and walk the expansive hall.

Tuesday’s Keynote Breakfast Address sponsored by Carefree of Colorado featured twelve-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl XVII (17) champion, Joe Theismann as he shared his firsthand knowledge on how to adapt to the Challenge of Change. The resilient Theismann, who has parlayed his on the field achievements into a successful career in business and broadcasting, then engaged with attendees for photos and autographs as the show doors opened for a full day of manufacturer showcases and exclusive product sale opportunities.
“Joe Theismann is a champion in every sense of the word who presented EXPO attendees with his captivating story of overcoming adversity, finding humility and adapting to transitions throughout his extraordinary career,” said Rogers. “The professionalism and graciousness he exemplified while engaging with EXPO attendees was a wonderful addition to a show that offered something for everyone.”

The event’s activities concluded with a closing reception sponsored by Dometic at the expansive Mountain Pass restaurant and adjacent grounds, allowing attendees a final chance to socialize while sharing in the comradery of their RV industry connections.

“From the RVU presentations to the energy on the show floor, it was a busy few days with exceptional enthusiasm for the RV Industry reflected by dealers throughout the event,” shared Rogers. “Working alongside the Gaylord staff, our team presented an outstanding EXPO. We are grateful to our events team, activity and event sponsors, our manufacturer and supplier partners and most of all the RV dealers from across the U.S. and Canada who took time out of their busy schedules to join us in Aurora.”

For more information about Expo, please visit: https://expo.ntpstag.com/

About NTP-STAG
For more than 50 years, NTP-STAG has been serving RV dealers, retailers and service professionals across the industry. Today, as a division of LKQ Specialty, the company is highly regarded as the leading distribution company for the recreational vehicle market and is uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. NTP-STAG is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them with what they need, when they need it.

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