Access Closing Two Service Centers

ADA — Access Business Group LLC, a subsidiary of Alticor Inc. that develops, manufactures and distributes products worldwide for the Alticor family of companies and other firms, will close two of its six regional service centers in the United States and eliminate the company’s over-the-road truck fleet.

Up to 20 positions will be affected in West Michigan.

“The decisions we announced today were not easy to make,” said Ken Davis, vice president-logistics. “Our business is strong, but changes need to be made to assure continuing growth. Business decisions affecting the people who have helped make Access Business Group a success are the most difficult, and are not taken lightly. We hope this transition will be as smooth as possible and creates new and positive opportunities for all.”

In announcing the decision yesterday, company officials said the effort to continue improving company service and processes led to the changes, which are expected to be completed by July. Officials said shifting sales patterns and technological improvements had made the existing distribution network inefficient.

Davis said the affected employees will receive enhanced severance packages and have outplacement services available. He said West Michigan employees will have the opportunity to apply for openings within the company, and Access is also actively pursuing leads with employers who are expanding in the regions affected.

Access did not reveal which service centers would be closed. The company’s Web site lists distribution centers in Kent, Wash.; Dayton, Nev.; Arlington, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii; Norcross, Ga.; and Robbinsville, N.J.