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Eight-unit Northern Indiana dealer Kabelin Ace Hardware has been acquired by Houchens Food Group, which operates more than 40 Ace locations and 400+ grocery stores across the country.
Houchens said the acquisition will help it expand product selections and present opportunities to open new stores in adjacent market.
All employees are expected to continue, including president Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins, who will serve as director of operations of the Kabelin Ace division of Houchens, focusing on strategic growth of the division.
Kabelin Ace operates hardware stores in South Bend, Walkerton, Granger, New Carlisle, LaPorte and two in Michigan, In., plus a rental center in La Porte.
“While we’re proud of the business our family has built, it has become increasingly difficult to operate as a small independent retailer in this day and age,” said Watkins said. “We knew we wanted to continue the Kabelin legacy, but we wanted to do it from a position of strength while also giving back to our employees. By partnering with Houchens, we believe we’re securing the future of our company while also ensuring the longevity of our stores and serving the people that matter most—our employees and our communities.”
“What makes Kabelin special is how much they care about their customers, their people, and their communities,” said Tracy Worley, VP of Houchens Food Group. “That spirit fits perfectly with who we are. We’re excited to welcome the Kabelin team into our employee-owned family and continue serving Northern Indiana.”
