Vermont Business Magazine Bond Auto Parts, Inc, a Barre, Vermont based company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Smith’s Auto Parts located in Castleton. Smith’s Auto Parts is a family business with a rich history similar to our own. Founded in 1977 by Joel Smith on 528 Route 4A West in Castleton, it has been owned and operated by two generations. Smith Auto Parts already is affiliated with Bond Auto Parts. Smith’s has been a jobber store to Bond Auto over the past 30 plus years. Financial terms were not released.
“Our partnership with Bond Auto Parts gave us access to an incredible network of parts and allowed us to compete with the big box and chain stores.” Said Joel Smith. Bond has also formed a strong relationship with Smith Auto Parts largely in part to a similar core philosophy - Customer service is how you win in today’s competitive marketplace. That attention to customer service along with a strong relationship and rich history makes this acquisition a great match.
Bond Auto Parts is also a family owned and operated business and is proud to complete this acquisition with the Smith family. The Bond and Smith families have similar ideals and styles when it comes to operating a business… it comes down to doing things the right way. Putting customers first and taking personal pride in what you do every day. “The acquisition of Smith’s in Western Vermont was a natural fit. We’ve been doing business with the Smith Family for over 30 years,” said Scott Bond, CEO of Bond Auto Parts. “My father began calling on Joel he started back in 1977. We’ve had a strong partnership ever since.”
Bond Auto plans to spend the next 30 to 60 days converting customers over to their system, increasing the store inventories and retrofitting the store with Bond Auto Parts signage and branding elements. Cliff Smith, who started in 1985 will remain the store manager and Bond will continue to employ 14 year veteran counterman Adam Woodbury and Andy Salamin who’s been working at the store for just over 16 months.
Bond Auto Parts was founded in 1956 by Earl and Mary Bond of Barre, Vermont. The company has since expanded with 24 stores in VT, 17 in NH, 2 in NY and 5 stores in MA. Bond Auto Parts is based in New England and is the 15th largest auto parts supplier serving equally the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. The Bond Auto mission is to be the dominant automotive aftermarket supplier by offering its customers the best combination of inventory, price, quality and service. For more information, visit www.bondauto.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bondauto and visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/bondautopartsinc.