Dayton, Ohio-based Winsupply, the 2015 Supply House Times Supply House of the Year, recently announced Jack Johnston has been named chief executive officer of the company. Johnston continues as company president.

Rick Schwartz, who previously was CEO and chairman, is stepping down from the executive role after 17 years. Schwartz remains chairman of the Winsupply Board of Directors.

“I’ve been with Winsupply for 43 years and served as its CEO the past 17 years,” Schwartz said. “After much planning and consultation with my wife, Jane, and the succession planning committee of our board of directors, I decided it’s time to pass the leadership baton to Jack who I know to be an exceptional leader and will continue to take Winsupply forward on its growth trajectory. He strongly believes in and will continue to execute our company’s entrepreneurial philosophy we call ‘The Spirit of Opportunity.’”

Schwartz took over the CEO role upon the retirement of Dick Schiewetz, a founding investor and leader of the company. Since Schwartz became CEO, Winsupply became one of the leading wholesale distributors in the U.S. Sales tripled during Schwartz’s tenure as CEO to $2.5 billion in 2014, and earnings quintupled.

Johnston becomes just the third chief executive officer in the history of Winsupply, which was founded in 1956 under the name Primus. “This is the culmination of a lot of work by our succession planning committee,” Johnston said. “I’m both excited and humbled to step into this important role. Rick and his predecessor, Dick, set great examples as leaders and I’m committed to carrying forward our company philosophy, principles for success and strategic objectives.”

In other Winsupply news, the company is expanding its Dayton, Ohio regional distribution center by adding more than 15,000 sq. ft. of usable space. Winsupply Vice President, Supply Chain Rick McCann notes the Dayton facility will be adding a mezzanine level that will double in size the “piece pick” area of the distribution center.

 McCann adds the total value of the project is an estimated $800,000 and includes both internal and external facelifts to the building.