March 28/April 4, 2016; Volume 30, Number 20
By Reginald Tucker
Galleher, the industry’s fifth-largest distributor, has announced the opening of a new 12,000-square-foot warehouse in Torrance, Calif. The facility is conveniently located less than one mile off the freeway and is complete with an onsite machine repair pro-shop, learning center and a fully stocked samples-on-demand workshop.
According to Jeff Hamar, president, the new location was established to ease logistical issues for customers. “This location is perfectly situated for customers who do a lot of work in and around the South Bay area,” Hamar said. “We hope this location provides our customers with easier access to stock and thus lowering the amount of time spent traveling to and from supply pick-ups.”
The new location, Galleher’s 18th branch, marks the continuation of its aggressive expansion strategy that kicked off in 1996. In the years that followed, Galleher opened additional facilities and expanded its market reach.
In 1998, the company entered the Arizona market with a facility in Phoenix. The following year, according to Hamar, the decision was made to move beyond hardwood flooring and become a full-line flooring distributor selling vinyl, ceramic tile and laminate. The company focused on additional market segments, including retail floor covering stores, design centers and commercial flooring contractors.
Later, in 2001, Galleher developed a hardwood flooring manufacturing facility near the Santa Fe Springs headquarters. In 2004, the company opened a location in Oxnard, Calif., and expanded its facilities in Van Nuys, Inglewood and Irvine to accommodate the company’s growth. Sales reached $118 million in 2005. In 2008, Galleher expanded into Northern California through the acquisition of Floor Service Supply. The following year Galleher opened a branch in Las Vegas.
Galleher sales reached $175 million in 2015. Today its product offering has evolved to include major brands such as IVC, Lauzon, Mullican, Roppe and Somerset Hardwood.