Parts Distributors to close

It was decided last week that a longtime Norwalk business will close.Parts Distributors Inc., which has been in operation for more than 60 years, will eventually cease operations.Bill Bader Jr., who has been managing the facility for the past two weeks after president and owner Tom Olak died Jan. 3., talked about the decision."We had a meeting with the team yesterday (Tuesday) morning," Bader said. "The decision was made that PDI, and its core group working there, would wind down the business."The loss of Olak has been devastating on the family, community and business."Tom was my best friend," Bader said. "When Tom passed I just went to work, doing what I needed to do for the business' day-to-day operations."Bader said the main reason the business will close is there is no successor for Olak."Nobody can run the business," Bader said.The parts business is also very competitive."The parts business is one of the most complicated and complex businesses I've ever run across," Bader said. The business dealt with customers in a 60-mile radius."The parts business requires incredible knowledge and you have to be creative," Bader said. "It is traditionally a tough business that requires a certain skill set. There are also six parts stores already in Norwalk, with a seventh on the way."Bader said PDI employed 10 people, 11 including Olak."Everybody received the news incredibly well — what a great group of people," Bader said. "The four employees who have been here the longest will continue working here. It could take four weeks or it could take 12 weeks for the business to wind down."Bader said the company will ultimately have a liquidation sale, which will include everything from furniture to fixtures.The community has responded quickly to the news, Bader said. Heather Horowitz, executive director at the Norwalk Economic Development Corp., has already conducted interviews with several displaced workers, while Mayor Rob Duncan also visited the facility Tuesday.Ellen Heinz, from Borgers Ohio, told Bader Borgers might be able to find a place for one or two of the employees of PDI.Bader said Olak is missed by many."Tom was just a kid," Bader said about the late 45-year-old.Jill Nolan, director at the Huron County Department of Job and Family Services, provided more information about the displaced workers.What happens next for the affected employees? What are their options?"Huron County DJFS obtains the names and contact information of all affected employees. Then, HCDJFS provides them with rapid response forms to complete and return to us in order to determine what additional assistance can be provided. Affected workers are also given our direct contact information, the process for filing for unemployment as well as contact information for the unemployment office, supportive materials for those going through separation from employment, and preliminary information about HCDJFS services such as our local OhioMeansJobs Store, resume development, schooling and job-related training, external job resources, cash assistance, medicaid, food stamp assistance, child care assistance and review/modification information for those who may be ordered to pay child support through our county," Nolan said.Has a rapid response team been set up?"Yes. The DJFS Rapid Response Team includes Karmen Ross and Rhonda VanScyoc, Huron County DJFS Employment Services Counselors, Heather Carman, Huron County Workforce Supervisor and Barry Nickerson, Ohio DJFS Workforce Specialist. The Rapid Response Team will work with all affected employees and are available to meet with each individual as needs arise," Nolan added.Bader Jr.