Westbay Auto Parts and NAPA Auto Parts join forces

The largest auto parts chain in Kitsap County will be joining forces with NAPA Auto Parts in the near future.

Westbay Auto Parts Inc. will begin using NAPA Auto Parts as its primary parts and accessories supplier in November.

“We chose to join the NAPA Auto Parts program because it allows us continued growth and the tools to provide our customers with the best parts and service in the industry,” said Ken Price, president of Westbay Auto Parts Inc.

The NAPA Auto Parts stores in Silverdale, East Bremerton, Port Orchard, Port Hadlock and Belfair will close in November and their merchandise will be moved to the Westbay stores in those areas. The Westbay stores in West Bremerton and Poulsbo will close and move into the NAPA Auto Parts stores in those locations. Westbay also will take over ownership of the NAPA Auto Parts locations in Purdy and Kingston. There will be no change in Westbay’s management and the business will remain locally owned and operated.

“Westbay is an organization made up of great people serving great customers. Westbay and NAPA Auto Parts are a great fit and we are very proud to have Westbay as part of our program,” said Art Fischer, president and general manager of NAPA Seattle.

Westbay has been in business since 1961 and said that “NAPA’s commitment to the automotive aftermarket fits their commitment to the communities they serve by providing quality parts, parts availability and aggressive pricing,” according to a news release.

NAPA Auto Parts initially proposed the merger, but Price believes the deal between Westbay and NAPA will benefit both companies.

“I think it’ll actually benefit Westbay and NAPA,” he said. “We’re mostly looking at trying to get the best rates to our customers.”

The store closures and merchandise transfer will begin Nov. 1 and is expected to be completed by Nov. 8 or 9.

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