AMS Group to be Aftermarket 'One-stop Shop'

Hillphoenix and Anthony have joined their field operations to create The AMS Group, an aftermarket one-stop shop aimed at helping retailers cut energy costs, increase sales through better merchandising and help take the worry out of how to accomplish critical business objectives with less money and fewer resources.

In the post-recession world, AMS envisions a need by retailers for a go-to partner with the ability to help quickly transform multiple stores and locations nationwide into more profitable operations, and maintaining and continuously improving existing locations on an ongoing basis.

“No one has more industry experience or a greater ability to work with every original equipment manufacturer than our two companies, and The AMS Group comes armed with a range of individual initiatives,” explained Craig Little, general manager.

The initiatives include: Close the Case, Remodels, Roll Outs, Refresh, Case Parts, Energy Upgrades and Refrigerant Conversions. “A client can select the solution that will impact the bottom line, whether it is one of our initiatives or a completely customized solution,” Little said.

While The AMS Group is new, the companies that have merged to create it have had 50-plus years of field operations experience; their customers include such retailers as Publix, The Home Depot, Walgreens, Walmart and Target.

“From national program rollouts to remodeling projects across multiple sites," Little said, "we can implement simple exterior upgrades to comply with new branding guidelines such as painting and decor, to major interior renovations involving refrigeration, HVAC and general contracting capabilities.”

AMS field solutions focus on maximizing project ROI and saving energy wherever possible. For supermarkets, where energy consumption is the second-highest operating cost behind labor, AMS works continuously with its customers to show them how they can dramatically cut these costs while reducing their carbon footprint through effective energy upgrades or enhanced refrigerant management.

“For instance, by closing display cases and adding LED lights, retailers can cut energy costs as much as 75 percent, giving cases a fresh look while extending the shelf life of products. Revitalization also renews customer confidence and excitement to spark sales," Little said. "Research shows that more comfortable shoppers buy more products. It also gives store managers and employees a renewed sense of satisfaction."

Little explained that AMS can manage refrigerant conversions, which is another high priority on customers’ lists. “Now that the eventual end of R-22 is in sight, many stores will most likely have to be converted to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. This can be a daunting and complex task,” he said. AMS has developed an effective process and a dedicated team to give retailers options that will be EPA compliant, and prevent these harmful gases from escaping into the environment.