Northeast distributor Salesmaster Associates Inc. has broken ground on a new distribution "superCenter" in Chicopee, Mass., about 85 miles southeast of the company's Albany, N.Y. location. The 40,000 sq. ft. facility will help the company serve its "rapidly growing business" in the New England market and effectively doubles the company's warehouse space in New England, according to Salesmaster. The SuperCenter is expected to open its doors in March 2009.

Steven Kurtz, president of Salesmaster, called the planned facility "the missing link" to expanding substantially in the New England market. “We evaluated the feasibility of the move for nearly two years,” he said. “Site studies indicated that Chicopee was the best location and that constructing a new facility was brick-and-mortar evidence of our growth, and of our vision and commitment to the New England market."

The new site will offer Salesmaster's customers a range of benefits, including next day fulfillment, same day pick up, and larger inventory levels. In addition, carpet cuts will now be available for same day pickup or next day delivery. The company noted the new center will also have a positive effect on Salesmaster's Albany location.

“We have reaffirmed our commitment to the Albany area and will be reinvesting in, upgrading and modernizing our facility there. The proximity to Chicopee also means faster deliveries and better customer service for Albany area customers,” said Ray Izatt Salesmaster's vp sales.

Along with the Albany and soon to be opened Chicopee site, the company also operates facilities in Woburn, Ma.; Hartford, Ct.; and a SuperCenter in Deer Park, N.Y. (Long Island).