| Garland C. Norris Company's Mission: | |
| To serve as a strategic partner to distributor customers who achieve business success through the value of our products, our distribution services and our employees. | |
| Garland C. Norris Company's History | |
| Garland C. Norris Company started in Apex, N.C. in 1904 by Mr. Garland C. Norris. Mr. Norris, then 18 years old, invested his entire savings of $75 to purchase tobacco products, which he distributed with a mule and wagon. In 1921, Mr. Norris moved the Company to Raleigh and expanded the operation to include a radius of 25 miles around Raleigh, and new products including candies, ice cream cones, and cola syrup. Major expansion occurred again in the early 1930s when paper cups were first manufactured. Garland C. Norris Co. became the exclusive distributor of Dixie Cups for North Carolina pioneering the introduction of paper disposables throughout North Carolina. In 1933, Mr. Norris organized a company in Lakeland, Florida, to can and distribute citrus products. Using his own brand name, Golden Tap, this operation distributed products throughout the southeastern United States. The canning operation was sold in the late 1960s, but the Company continued to distribute citrus juices into the 1990's. During the 1970's and 1980's the Company focused on distributing food-service disposables and replaced tobacco, candies and sundries with chemicals and cleaners, party supplies and maintenance items. The Company continued its concentration on sales to distributors and expanded its service area to include all of North and South Carolina, southern Virginia and parts of Tennessee and Georgia. Today, Garland C. Norris Co. is the only Carolinas' based wholesaler that sells exclusively to distributors. Rapid growth in the late 1980's necessitated larger space. In June 1990, the Company returned to Apex, N.C. to build a new facility. Significant expansion of the facility was completed in 1998 and again in 2006. The Company's Apex, N.C. plant is now approximately 120,000 square feet. In 1997, Garland C. Norris Co. joined Advantage Marketing Associates. Advantage Marketing is an association of wholesale redistributors that own and operate Distribution Centers strategically located throughout the 48 states and Canada. Through its Vendor Alliance Program, the Advantage Group distributes for leading manufacturers and markets it's own private label products. "ReNature", "ProNature" and "Maintenance Pro" brands are sold exclusively through Advantage Members. Through the Advantage Group, Garland C. Norris Co. can offer products and services throughout North America. The Company is owned and managed by third and fourth generation family members. The Company is proud of its strong management team, which has a long history of dedicated service. Each member of our team fully understands that Garland C. Norris Co. exists to meet the needs of customers. Everyone at Garland C. Norris Co. shares in a "Customer Driven" philosophy. Garland C. Norris Co. is proud of its rich history and, as it was in 1904, is dedicated to being "THE BEST CHOICE A DISTRIBUTOR CAN MAKE"! |
|
| About Us / Catalog / Online Ordering / Products / Employment / Vendors / Ordering /Item # / Rebates / Contact | |