Fred C. Gloeckner & Company Inc. Owner, President, and CEO Joseph A. Simone has formally announced his retirement from the distribution industry, and has partnered with Ball Horticulture Company for his transition. Simone has been with the company since 1975.

Gloeckner stopped accepting new orders on December 1, and no longer processed orders past December 18. After that date, all shipping and management of pending orders will be completed by Ball Seed. Suppliers will be added to Ball Seed as necessary to fulfill customer needs. Many office and sales professionals of Gloeckner will join the Ball team to ensure a smooth transition.

Gloeckner’s partner, Ednie Flower Bulbs, will continue to be run by Simone and the den Breejen family. As part of the agreement, the bulb product line will exclusively distribute through Ball Seed.