MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AutoZone, Inc.
(NYSE: AZO), the nation's leading auto parts retailer, today announced plans
to open a new distribution center in Terrell, Texas. When fully operational,
the facility will employ approximately 500 AutoZoners. When completed in the
fall of 2004, the new distribution center will initially employ approximately
250 AutoZoners and distribute parts and products to AutoZone stores in
surrounding states.
"The increasing scope of our business requires that we upgrade our supply
chain capabilities," said Bill Rhodes, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain
and Information Technology. "AutoZone's new facility in Terrell will bring
even more efficiencies to the process of delivering the right part at the
right price at the right time to our retail do-it-yourself and commercial
customers."
AutoZone currently operates eight distribution centers throughout the
country. When completed, this new facility will feature the latest in design,
layout and technology.
"The economic development team, led by Danny Booth of the Terrell Chamber
of Commerce, was particularly helpful in the process of where to locate our
new facility," Rhodes said. "We are also very appreciative for the efforts of
Mayor Frances Anderson, the City of Terrell, and the Terrell and Kaufman
County community leaders in making this project a reality."
"As Mayor of the City of Terrell," said Anderson, "I believe that AutoZone
made a wise choice by selecting Terrell for their new distribution center due
to our location and the availability of a quality workforce. I believe the
partnership between Terrell and AutoZone will be beneficial to all."
With the opening of the Terrell facility, the company will close its
distribution center in San Antonio. "Our San Antonio facility is outdated and
not well located to service our expanding store base in the region," Rhodes
said. "The San Antonio workforce has been terrific, and we encourage them to
move with us to Terrell."
About AutoZone:
As of May 8, 2004, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals
and accessories through 3,337 AutoZone stores in 48 states plus the District
of Columbia in the U.S. and 60 AutoZone stores in Mexico. Each store carries
an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light
trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance
items and accessories. Many domestic stores also have a commercial sales
program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other
products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers and service
stations. AutoZone also sells ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software.
On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and
light truck parts through http://www.autozone.com . AutoZone does not derive
revenue from automotive repair or installation.
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking
statements. These statements discuss, among other things, business strategies
and future performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to
risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation,
competition, product demand, the economy, inflation, gasoline prices, consumer
debt levels, war and the prospect of war, including terrorist activity, and
the availability of commercial transportation. Actual results may materially
differ from anticipated results. Please refer to the Risk Factors section of
AutoZone's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2003, for more
information related to those risks. AutoZone undertakes no obligation to
publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in
this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date
of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
SOURCE AutoZone, Inc.
CONTACT: Media, Ray Pohlman, +1-901-495-7962, ray.pohlman@autozone.com ,
or Financial, Brian Campbell, +1-901-495-7005, brian.campbell@autozone.com ,
both of AutoZone