Do it Best Group said Friday it is accelerating a distribution center optimization plan aimed at strengthening its wholesale supply chain as it continues integrating True Value into its network.
The Fort Wayne-based hardware, lumber and building materials cooperative said the initiative — developed following a third-party analysis of its distribution and routing network — includes phased transitions designed to improve scalability, increase operational efficiency, and support long-term growth. The company said implementation is moving ahead of schedule.
As part of the plan, Do it Best will relocate operations from its Montgomery, New York, distribution center into existing underutilized space at its facility in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. A new operation known as Hanover will be established at that location to expand long-term capacity and provide greater flexibility as volumes grow.
In addition, True Value operations will transition out of the Atlanta distribution center earlier than originally planned. The volume will shift to other locations within the combined company’s network that the company said are better positioned to support dealer service and efficiency.
“This work builds the supply chain our store owners will need for the future,” Dan Starr, CEO of Do it Best and True Value, said in a statement. “We took the time to study our network carefully, and we’re confident in the plan we’re executing.”
Starr said the initiative is growth-driven rather than reactive.
“Our members and retailers count on us to think long term,” he said. “These transitions strengthen our ability to serve them reliably and competitively.”
Wholesale Distribution Impact
Do it Best Group describes itself as the world’s largest hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. The company reports $6 billion in annual sales and supports thousands of independently owned stores in the United States and in more than 60 countries.
For wholesale distributors and independent hardware dealers, distribution network performance directly affects fill rates, delivery speed, and inventory availability — key factors as competition intensifies from national chains and e-commerce players.
By consolidating operations and repurposing existing space rather than building new facilities, Do it Best is focusing on improving asset utilization and network efficiency while maintaining service continuity. The company said the transitions are being phased intentionally to protect fill rates and ensure clear communication with dealers and vendors.
“Service continuity is non-negotiable,” Starr said. “Everything we’re doing is designed to keep product flowing.”
The integration of True Value into Do it Best’s distribution network represents one of the more significant structural changes in the independent hardware wholesale sector in recent years. Combining footprints allows the cooperative to reduce overlap, streamline freight lanes and position remaining facilities to manage higher throughput.
As distributors across the building materials sector evaluate their physical networks for scalability, labor availability and routing efficiency, Do it Best’s moves reflect a broader industry focus on optimizing distribution infrastructure following consolidation.
The company did not disclose financial details related to the transitions or expected cost savings.
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