Mobile device distributor Brightpoint Inc. (CELL) said it plans to relocate the Touchstone Wireless Repair and Logistic L.P. operations from their current Bristol, Tenn., location into current Brightpoint operations in Fort Worth, Texas, and Plainfield, Ind. Brightpoint acquired Touchstone in 2010 for $80 million.
The move will impact approximately 350 employees in the Bristol area, with Brightpoint stating plans to add more than 200 jobs in Fort Worth and more than 100 jobs in Plainfield. A Brightpoint spokesman said the company was hoping many of the current Touchstone employees decide to move to the new locations.
Brightpoint counts approximately 2,700 employees in its operations spread across more than 25 countries.
“The actions that we are taking to relocate our Bristol operations will accelerate our efforts to optimize operations, drive efficiencies, lower customer repair costs and reinforce Touchstone Wireless’ position as an industry leader in reverse logistics and repair services,” stated J. Mark Howell, president of Brightpoint Americas. “While the relocation of the Bristol operations was a difficult decision, it is a necessary step to position Touchstone Wireless for future growth. This decision in no way diminishes our commitment to reverse logistics and repair services. Rather, it solidifies our position as a preferred provider of fully integrated, end-to-end, supply chain solutions to the wireless industry.”
The move is expected to be completed by July 31, with the company expecting to take a charge of approximately $3 million and $3.5 million between the second and third quarters for lease termination, employee and relocation related expenses.
Brightpoint announced plans earlier this year to add three new distribution centers, including two near its headquarters in Plainfield and one in Reno, Nev. The move is expected to result in a 700,000 square foot increase in its domestic operations.
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