TUPELO - One of North America's largest appliance parts distributors has expanded in Tupelo, where it will serve customers in the Southeast.

"We didn't have a presence in the Southeastern U.S.," said Kevin Sullivan, the chief operating officer for First Source Servall. "We were looking at our footprint, and Mississippi fit into our plans."

The Detroit-based company recently bought Appliance Parts Company Mississippi, which had an appliance parts operation in Tupelo for more than 15 years.

When First Source Servall first took over operations, it stayed in the former company's leased property on Daybrite Drive. But when the lease expired on the property, First Source opted to find a bigger location.

It bought and renovated an 8,500-square foot vacant building on Briar Ridge Road.

First Source renovated the building for about $150,000, which included modernizing the space to "increase its retail capabilities" the company said. It also added 25 percent new inventory.

Sullivan said First Source's customers include service companies, retail stores and Internet companies.

The company employs three full-time workers in Tupelo and, according to Sullivan, they're supported by "two or three additional outside service providers."

He said he hopes additional employees will be added as the company establishes its presence and grows in the Southeast.

Founded in 1929, First Source Servall is a third-generation family-owned company with branch offices, distribution facilities and call centers throughout the Midwest, Southwest and the Northeast.

dennis.seid@journalinc.com