DURHAM — LCI, one of the largest employers of Americans who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) with headquarters in Durham, is expanding its footprint.
The provider of manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, retail and technology consulting solutions, is acquiring the Raleigh non-profit, RLCB.
Formerly known as the Raleigh Lions Club for the Blind, RLCB is a private group formed in 1966 through a partnership between the North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind, and the Raleigh Lions Club. Today, it focuses on manufacturing, assembly, warehousing and distribution, while providing hands-on training in the retail industry for those in the BVI community.
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with LCI,” RLCB’s president Jan Griffey said in a statement. “By combining our strengths, we will operate stronger together than apart.”
The acquisition is expected to close this summer. LCI said it plans to hire every BVI individual that is currently employed by RLCB at that time.
Founded in 1936 as a civic club, LCI operates as a multi-faceted entity with arms in manufacturing, distribution, retail and e-commerce. In April, it added tech services as a new division specializing in digital accessibility and usability.
LCI currently 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.
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