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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

British-Based Universal Components Group Plans First U.S. Distribution Center In Missouri

03/13/2015
Universal Components Group, a UK-based aftermarket automotive parts supplier, will expand operations to the U.S., selecting St. Charles County, as the location for its first North American distribution center. The expansion project includes a $765,000 capital investment and is expected to create 31 new jobs in O’Fallon, Missouri.

UCG is a specialist independent wholesale distribution business for commercial vehicle, truck, and semi-trailer components. As the largest independent distributor of aftermarket parts in the UK, the company supplies to more than 1,000 distribution outlets worldwide. Due to its close business relationship with Wainwright Industries in Wentzville, UCG has decided to expand to an approximately 10,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center in St. Charles County.

“Universal Components Group is very excited about the new location in O’Fallon. The U.S. market is a great opportunity for us. The support we have received from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and our Sister company Wainwright Industries has allowed us to get our distribution footprint in place very quickly,” said David Kernahan, CEO of UCG. “The business model that we are starting with has had proven success and we are confident in the next few years we will be able to grow as we have done in the U.K. UCG will continue to make significant investment into the area that will help us to be successful for a long time to come.”

To assist UCG with its expansion in O’Fallon, DED has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.

“As a top state for vehicle production, Missouri’s automotive industry continues to rev up and create good jobs for families here in St. Charles County and across the Show-Me State,” said Governor Jay Nixon. “From major manufacturing plants to small suppliers, Missouri is a hub for next-generation vehicle production and today’s announcement by Universal Components Group builds on this success.”

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