Introduction

LCI Acquires RLCB

LCI Acquires RLCB

LCI Enters into Agreement to Acquire RLCB

Acquisition, when consummated, would allow Triangle-based organizations to unite in shared mission to provide meaningful employment for the blind and visually impaired

DURHAM, N.C., July 24, 2019 – LCI, one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), announced today that the company has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of RLCB. The acquisition would increase employment opportunities for BVI citizens within the Triangle area and its surrounding counties.

A private not-for-profit, RLCB was formed in 1966 through a partnership between the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind and the Raleigh Lions Club. Today, the organization focuses on manufacturing, assembly, warehousing and distribution, while providing hands-on training in the retail industry for those in the BVI community.

“RLCB has a mission and a set of core values that align with those of LCI,” said LCI President, Jeffrey Hawting. “Our combined synergies will advance our shared goal to positively impact the employment landscape for the BVI community in the Triangle region and beyond.”

Founded in 1936 as a project of a civic club, LCI operates under the auspices of the AbilityOne program. Since then, LCI has grown into a multi-faceted entity with business capabilities ranging from manufacturing and distribution, to retail and e-commerce. Additionally, LCI has added tech services as a new division specializing in digital accessibility and usability. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, LCI operates two distribution centers, three e-commerce websites, seven manufacturing facilities and over 36 base supply center stores on military bases across the United States. The acquisition of RLCB would include the addition of eight base supply centers located in North Carolina, Mississippi, and three states new to LCI in the retail space: Alaska, Kentucky and Louisiana.  Upon closing of the acquisition later this summer, LCI plans to hire every BVI individual that is currently employed by RLCB.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with LCI,” said Jan Griffey, President of RLCB. “By combining our strengths, we will operate stronger together than apart. Our shared passion for providing employment opportunities for the BVI community will allow us to better serve the Triangle area as one entity.”

The expectation is that the closing of the asset purchase would occur later this summer, with organizational transition taking place throughout the remainder of the year. 

About LCI

LCI is a provider of manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail and technology consulting solutions — and one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind or visually impaired. We serve customers in the public and private sectors who need high quality products and services that meet procurement needs, including those of the AbilityOne program, and who want to feel confident that their purchase supports American workers. We continually innovate our business structure to balance the expectations of our customers with the interests of the BVI community. Our innovative approach to business-model evolution enables us to exceed the expectations of our customers while empowering our employees to reach their highest potential. Learn more at lcindustries.com.

About RLCB

RLCB, Inc. is a private not-for-profit, self sustaining manufacturer, distributor, and retailer employing many blind or visually impaired in the community.  RLCB also provides Tele-Services for the blind or visually impaired. RLCB was formed through a partnership between the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind and the Raleigh (host) Lions Club on November 12, 1966. Originally organized to provide evaluation, training and job placement services RLCB has since expanded its business. We serve customers in the public and private sectors who need high quality products and services that meet procurement needs, including those of the AbilityOne program, and who want to feel confident that their purchase supports American workers.  Learn more at www.rlcb.net.

 

8 comments on “LCI Acquires RLCB

  1. To all of our friends at LCI, Congratulations on your expansion.
    From:
    Jerry LaPoint,
    Bill Forest
    and the entire crew at Future Foam, Inc. North Carolina…

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