GRIMES, Iowa — Republic Companies, a mechanical and electrical distributor in the Midwest with over a century of experience, recently hosted the grand opening of its new distribution center and training facility in Grimes, Iowa. near Des Moines.

The event attracted nearly 100 mechanical and electrical contractors from the surrounding area, opening the door for new business avenues both for Republic and its manufacturer partners, including Johnson Controls, Mitsubishi, Nu-Calgon, Aspen Manufacturing, Rapid Locking Systems, Leviton, and Acuity Lighting, according to a press release from Republic.

Throughout the day, contractors, technicians, and business owners from the HVAC and electrical industries had the opportunity to tour the 22,500-square-foot facility and meet with the Republic team as well as with representatives of Republic’s manufacturing partners.

The Grimes location is Republic’s fifth distribution center; the others are in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Davenport, Iowa, and Peoria, Illinois.

The building's 2,500-square-foot training laboratory features 18 stations and is designed to help HVAC and electrical contractors learn the skills they need to thrive in today's industry, the company said.

"In the HVAC and electrical world, training has never been more critical for our contractor partners than it is today and will be in the foreseeable future," said Todd Wade, president of Republic’s mechanical division. Wade added that the opening of the new facility exemplifies Republic's commitment to equipping customers with the tools, resources, and support necessary for success.

"Together with our manufacturing partners, we are strategically addressing the needs of today and anticipating the needs of the future to monitor and support the needs of the HVAC and electrical contracting communities,” said Bob Teare, vice president of mechanical sales at Republic.