Huge Fire Destroys S.P. Richards Distribution Center & Corporate Headquarters.
S.P. Richards (SPR) CEO Rick Toppin has issued an open letter to OPI readers after the wholesaler’s Atlanta distribution centre and headquarters building were damaged by a fire that started on Friday evening.
By Andy Braithwaite.
An Open Letter to OPI Readers:
As you may have heard, there was a major fire in the SPR Atlanta distribution centre Friday evening and this fire spread to the adjacent SPR headquarters building. While very thankful that our associates were unharmed, both buildings experienced significant damage and will be inoperable for an extended period of time.
Fortunately, we have detailed business continuity plans in place and we’re now executing these plans. All Atlanta DC orders are being re-routed to alternative distribution centres for next-day fulfilment and delivery to our local customers. SPR customers in the balance of the US and Canada should see no difference in their service levels as all systems are up and running. For our SPR headquarters team, we will be performing the same work as always beginning Monday morning – just from a different location.
On behalf of the entire SPR team, we want to thank the literally hundreds of loyal customers, suppliers, industry leaders, and even competitors who have reached out to us in the last 48 hours to express their support. This experience serves to reinforce that while we may work in a highly competitive marketplace, we also have tremendous compassion and humanity for each other. Your words of support will never be forgotten.
Our Advantage Business Conference will bring many of us together in just 17 days in San Diego. We have a great conference planned and look forward to having the opportunity to thank many of you in person.
All the best. Sincerely, Rick Toppin.