Springfield parts distributor acquires second location

Springfield-based Stone Parts Distributors recently expanded with the purchase of Marcone Appliance Parts Center at 1924 W. Woodland St.

The location is now known as Parts Today.

Stone Parts owner and President Ben D. Smith said he decided to purchase the local assets of the Marcone chain after Marcone Company contacted him, asking him if he was interested in the Springfield location.

"They decided to downsize their operation and get rid of some of their smaller branches," Smith said.

Marcone has been in Springfield about 10 years, Smith said. The chain originated in St. Louis in 1932.

Now, the former Marcone building serves as a second Springfield location for Smith's 23-year-old company. Jim Hare will manager the south-side location, and Jim Gray is general manager.

Parts Today's hours will change slightly with the addition of Saturday operations. The store will be open 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday in addition to regular hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Marcone accounts will be serviced by Parts Today and Stone Parts.

Smith said new additions to Parts Today include parts for most furnaces and air conditioners, HVAC supplies, and Janitrol and Gibson products. Parts Today also has a Web site where customers can purchase appliance repair parts online.

Stone Parts is a multimillion-dollar business that supplies appliance parts for businesses and residents. Smith said his business is 60 percent commercial and 40 percent residential.