MSC Industrial Direct expands, adds jobs in Ohio

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As it continues to grow and add jobs nationwide, Industrial supply distributor MSC Industrial Direct Co. plans to build its fifth distribution center, in Columbus, Ohio.

The Melville-based firm expects to spend about $55 million to build and equip a 400,000-square-foot facility that will create 300 full-time jobs in Columbus by the end of 2017.

MSC said it obtained $9 million in tax breaks and other incentives over 10 years to help fund the center, which should begin operating by late summer of early fall of 2014.

“Our current success and growth plan requires us to add a new customer fulfillment center,” said Doug Jones, executive vice president of global supply chain operations. “After conducting a thorough review, Columbus provided the most compelling opportunity to expand our distribution network in the most cost-effective manner.”

He said the location “fits well with our existing network and provides easy access to key markets and resources, as well as a rich pool of local talent.”

“Over the long-term, our investment in this facility will yield high returns as we more efficiently manage and expand our service volume,” Jones said.

MSC doesn’t expect construction and start-up costs, including incentives, to impact earnings and believes additional operating costs upon opening, including incentives and reduced expenses at other centers, will be minimal.

Through a network of 18 million direct-mail catalogs, 107 branch sales offices and 1,101 sales people, MSC distributes 600,000 industrial products from about 3,000 suppliers to 325,000 customers.

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