Porsche severs last ties to Reno

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999 | 10:13 a.m.

The company on Tuesday announced plans to complete the transfer of its national parts distribution center to Ontario, Calif., and Atlanta by the end of next year.

"This is not something we take lightly," Frederick Schwab, president and chief executive officer, said in a written statement. "We have enjoyed the reception Reno has afforded Porsche since 1984. However, we must get closer to our customers."

The announcement comes two years after Porsche closed its North American headquarters here and moved its staff to Atlanta, citing the need to be closer the company's home office in Germany.

Schwab added that the majority of Porsche's top U.S. markets are located east of the Mississippi River.

"We need to serve those markets by distributing parts to the dealers, by truck, either the same day or the day after they are ordered," he said. "The only possible way to accomplish this is to distribute parts from locations on both coasts."

The move will affect 48 Reno employees. Some will be asked to relocate, while others will be given severance packages, Schwab said.

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