Myers Tire Supply has opened a 50,000-square-foot distribution center in Southaven, Miss., just across the border from Memphis.

"We look forward to serving our customers with even greater efficiency and care from this new regional distribution center," said Todd Smith, vice president and general manager. "The new DC enables us to increase our fill rates and stock more items. Also, we have upgraded our capabilities so each of the DCs provides same-day shipping."

According to the company, this is the beginning of an initiative to enhance its partnership with customers. As part of the initiative the sales force is transitioning to new technology, allowing orders to be entered in real-time and processed immediately at the DC, Myers said.

"Without the need to hand write and fax orders, the sales force has more time to provide technical and training support and keep customers apprised of business trends and industry issues such as TPMS, nitrogen service or non-lead wheel weights.

"In some cases a dedicated sales office with a customer service representative replaces a branch/warehouse. This allows the manager to spend more time on sales support and customer service and not have to process orders, track inventory and ship," the company added.