LEXINGTON, S.C. (BRAIN) — HLC had a round of layoffs that included some of its e-commerce business solutions team, while sources told BRAIN the South Carolina-based distributor will close its Texas and Pennsylvania distribution centers.
Pat McGinnis, HLC president and CEO, declined comment.
Two employees posted on LinkedIn that they were no longer with HLC, with one deferring to McGinnis for comment.
In September 2022, private equity firm MiddleGround Capital acquired HLC, with McGinnis saying at the time that the acquisition would "amplify" HLC's growth. Last December, HLC added seven sales reps, bringing its total then to 22.
HLC made data, technology, and workforce investments before the pandemic, McGinnis told BRAIN for a story in May. Other investments included the Dallas warehouse that opened in April, adding brands like ABUS, WeMakeThings, and Knog during 2023. In June 2022, HLC invested $193,000 in its Quebec City Wheel Shop facility, which provides North American dealers with pre-built wheels. HLC's Pennsylvania distribution center is located in Camp Hill; it opened in 2016.
Also this year, HLC became the exclusive distributor for Yuba Bikes in North America and the exclusive U.S. sales rep for NORCO.
