Lacks Distribution Center Opens in Schertz

Lacks Stores, Inc., the City of Schertz, and Comal County cut the ribbon April 17, at the new 308,000 square-foot distribution center off Schwab Road at IH-35 South. The new facility represents the completion of the first phase of a two phase agreement that will culminate with a 50,000 square-foot retail center to also be located in Schertz sometime in the next two years.

According to Schertz officials, the agreement with Lacks Inc. includes the retail giant creating as many as 277 jobs by 2009 with an annual payroll of $5 million. The $14.5 million distribution center includes 308,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space with 80,000 sq. ft. of mezzanine. Also on site is an 18,000 square foot, 3-bay truck shop and a fueling station.

Lacks President Melvin Lack explained that the Schertz distribution facility will allow Lacks to expand their current operations by 100,000 sq. ft. and consolidate their distribution operations into one facility to serve the entire State of Texas. Lacks currently operates two 100,000 sq. ft. facilities in San Antonio and Victoria.

As part the opening ceremonies, Melvin Lack introduced attendees to the shear size of the new facility. “This center includes 106 rows of storage and 250 rows of racks that, if laid out side-by-side, would span a distance of 37 miles.”

Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin expressed his appreciation of the Lack’s family for choosing the City of Schertz as the hub of their Texas operations. “This is a great opportunity for us,” said Baldwin, “And, I hope this will be the beginning of great things for Lacks.”

Attendees at the ceremony included Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin, council members David Scagliola, Tony Wilenchik, and John Trayhan. Schertz City Manager Don Taylor and Assistant City Managers John Bierschwale and David Harris were also part of a contingent of city staff.
Schertz Economic Development Director George Antuna was recognized by Melvin Lacks for his hands on approach throughout the project. “George was like a second project manager,” said Lacks, who went on to thank him for always being available to help work through challenges associated with constructing a facility of that size.

Lacks Stores, Inc., a Texas corporation founded in 1938 by David B. Lack, is one of the largest, independently-owned retail furniture chains in the United States. Lacks is a chain of 39 retail stores in 29 cities selling a complete line of furnishings for the home, including furniture, bedding, major appliances, and home electronics.

View more photos of the Lacks Distribution Center ribbon cutting ceremony at: http://picasaweb.google.com/SchertzCMR/04172008LacksGrandOpening.