If time is money then the new AGCO parts and distribution center in Visalia, Calif. should be a bonus to customers in 11 western states, including California and Arizona.

The company relocated its parts and distribution center in 2016 to Visalia from Stockton, Calif. because the south Valley location affords AGCO the ability to reach 98 percent of its California dealers within a day with parts shipped via United Parcel Service ground transportation.

Joseph DiPietro, vice president and general manager for AGCO Parts Americas said the Stockton location was less efficient as parcels shipped from there would have to travel through the Visalia transportation hub, 160 miles away, before going to locations much closer to Stockton.

For instance, it simply made no sense to ship parts 160 miles south to Visalia, only to have them shipped to a dealer half way back to Stockton, he said. What they gained in transit time improved the delivery of parts to dealers and ultimately the customers.

At 53,000 square feet, the facility is 33 percent larger than the Stockton location, which was closed after the Visalia location opened.

The Visalia facility boasts taller ceilings, giving the company room for 25-foot racks to store 41 percent more parts than the Stockton location. Direct pick-up of those parts by dealers or customers is possible with a two-hour advance order.

The facility also features a regional training center, enabling AGCO to conduct dealer service training. An enclosed garage with features to evacuate engine exhaust is also available.

The facility is conveniently located in the city’s north side industrial park just minutes from the Highway 99 and 198 interchange.