Westlake Ace Hardware buys Watkins True Value

A longtime business in the Red Oak Plaza has been sold. 

Watkins True Value sold all four of its stores to Ace Westlake Hardware, effective March 30. 

“Westlake Ace Hardware is a growing, vibrant company and valuable resource for our neighbors in the markets we serve,” said Tom Knox, CEO of Westlake. “The acquisition of the four-store Watkins Hardware chain will complement our overall footprint in many of the Great Plains states. We look forward to serving their existing customers, attracting new Westlake Ace customers and providing them all with the highest level of service, know-how and products.”

The other Watkins stores purchased are located in Maryville, Mo., Beatrice, Neb., and Nebraska City, Neb. Founded in 1895, Westlake Ace Hardware operates 89 stores in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.