CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — VIPAR Heavy Duty is setting up two parts distribution centers in the U.S. to provide timely service to its distributors and customers across North America.

The parts distribution centers will open in the eastern and western parts of the U.S. and will become operational in the fourth quarter of 2008 with warehousing operations, cross docking opportunities. A specialty of the new operation will be the assembly of new and remanufactured brake shoes and related products.

The new business will fall under Global Parts Network, LLC, an independent company that provides service support exclusively to the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors and suppliers.

“These new operations will enable our distributors to remain competitive with a consistent supply line,” said Steve Crowley, president and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “With the support of key suppliers, we believe this new initiative will be well received in the marketplace and allow us to best serve the needs of our distributors and their customers.”