North Wilkesboro, North Carolina-based specialty building material products distributor ECMD Inc. opened a new 135,000-square-foot distribution center in Ocala, Florida.

The new facility represents ECMD’s 16th distribution center and expands the company’s nationwide distribution footprint to more than 2.2 million square feet.

The investment further strengthens the employee-owned company’s ability to serve customers throughout Florida and the broader Southeast while advancing the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“Ocala is a strategic location that allows us to better serve our customers throughout Florida while creating a strong platform for future growth,” ECMD Executive Vice President Mac Mayberry in a Sept. 16 news release. “The Ocala distribution center is expected to create approximately 20 new jobs initially, with additional employment opportunities anticipated as the business continues to grow.”

Kelly Hendrix, President and Chief Executive Officer of ECMD, said the expansion reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term outlook for the Southeast market.

“ECMD has built its growth strategy around two complementary paths: strategic acquisitions and targeted greenfield expansion,” Hendrix said. “The opening of our Ocala distribution center demonstrates our commitment to investing in markets where we see tremendous opportunity for our customers, suppliers, and employee-owners.”

The Ocala distribution center is expected to be fully operational in September and will serve customers throughout Florida and neighboring Southeastern markets.

ECMD serves customers nationwide with mouldings, stair systems and specialty building materials.