American LaFrance has opened its Parts Distribution Center, which will speed delivery of cab and chassis parts for the Condor product line to its nationwide network of dealers. Until now, Condor cab and chassis parts have come through the Freightliner dealer system, as Freightliner continues to transition the operation of American LaFrance to Patriarch Partners LLC after the sale of company in December 2005.
The 27,000-square-foot facility near the Ladson SC headquarters of American LaFrance will distribute the full line of Condor chassis and cab parts except for engine and transmission service parts. Drivetrain parts continue to be available through Condor dealers directly from those manufacturers, such as Cummins, Caterpillar, and Allison.
The company also plans to break ground soon on its new 440,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in the Charleston SC area. It is expected to open in spring 2007.