Everything is done with a certain flair at the Mississauga, Ontario, location of KBC Tools. CEO Paula Bass refers to it as her Canadian headquarters. "KBC sells on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border," says Bass. "We value all of our customers but we have made a special commitment to Canada." The new 50,000 sq. ft. Mississauga warehouse consolidated the operations of three Toronto-area locations, creating the opportunity for increased efficiency in the warehouse as well as the business functions. It also combines Bass' artistic background with her affinity for business. Bass has a degree in art as well as an MBA in marketing and finance. Prior to joining KBC, she spent five years working at a large Chicago arts center. She designed the warehouse building as she would a work of art. "We incorporated many details into the warehouse," says Bass. "Wider aisles allow for ease of movement - especially with pallets. It also allows space for growth." Some of the features include white ceilings, which makes the area brighter while reducing lighting expenses, warehousing based on a serpentine picking system, and areas for fabrications and wiring machines to Canadian standards. To save on costs and to recycle, KBC shreds the vast amounts of waste paper to reuse as packing material. The new building allowed Bass to unleash her creativity in the showroom, as well. She says showrooms are important for KBC because nearly 15 percent of its ales are over the counter.
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