Ace recognizes smooth operation in Tampa

Ace Hardware announced that its Retail Support Center (RSC) in Tampa, Fla., has been named the Ace Hardware RSC of the Year.

Ace operates a total of 14 RSCs. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op said its Tampa facility is a key component in Ace’s global retail distribution network. As a warehouse operation, it has access to more than 70,000 products.

“Our Retail Support Center in Tampa consistently delivers some of the highest service levels in the industry, vital to the operations of our supply chain and meeting the demands of our valued retailers,” said Rick Whitson, VP retail support, Ace Hardware.

In addition, the Tampa RSC has also been named the best overall traffic-operating performance facility for 2012.

In Tampa, retail support manager Dave Milner and his staff have been formally awarded the Bud Picone Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in safety, operations, finance and inventory management. Ace’s overall traffic operating performance award is given to the facility that best demonstrates excellence in safety, delivery and operations ratios.

“These awards are well-deserved by our dedicated, hardworking team members,” said Milner. “Without their efforts these achievements would not be possible. We want to thank our team for their commitment to excellence each and every day.”

Currently, the Tampa RSC supplies 181 domestic and 121 international retailers in 60 countries with the product they need to successfully operate their independently owned businesses. The facility was also recently named a Top Workplace by Workplace Dynamics.

Ace’s 391,700-sq.-ft. Retail Support Center in Tampa was acquired by Ace in July 1977 and began distribution to Ace retailers in the surrounding areas. The center is located on 17 acres of land and has a fleet of 17 tractors and 28 trailers, as well as 31 shipping and receiving docks.