By MOLLIE BROWN/For the Reporter

CALERA – HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, a leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operations products to owners and managers of multi-family, hospitality, educational and commercial properties, healthcare providers and municipal and government facilities, opened its newest distribution center in the Shelby Commerce Park in North Calera May 29. The company has 43 distribution centers, a fleet of more than 700 delivery vehicles and 27,000 items in stock.

The company is a business of HD Supply Inc., one of the largest industrial distributors in North America. In a press release, HD Supply President and CEO Anesa Chaibi said the distribution center is important to the network of the company’s facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

“This new distribution center allows us to continue to improve our local support for customers in the Southeast, including Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle,” he said.

The 350,000 square-foot facility will employ more than 50 associates when fully staffed.

Mayor Jon Graham said he is excited to see the business open.

“I always like something new coming to town that gives up job opportunities,” Graham said. “My goal is bettering the economy of our city, which in turn betters the quality of lives of our citizens.”

HD Supply reported net sales for the fiscal 2013 first quarter ended May 5 of $2.1 billion. The company is supportive of organizations and programs which foster the educational excellence of youth, programs and organizations that promote research, prevention, awareness and education of health issues and construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation programs with compelling impact in areas where HD Supply maintains a significant population of associates.

Employment opportunities are available at jobs.hdsupply.com.