Mizuno USA Inc. Supports Growth With A Long Term Investment In A New Distribution Center

June 19, 2008

Mizuno USA, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high quality specialty sporting goods and equipment, today announced the opening of a new 300,000 square foot distribution center at the Hamilton Mill Business Center in Buford, Georgia to support the company’s continued growth and to meet future market demands.  The new Distribution Center will also lead to improved service levels, increased quality control, and improved turn around times for the Diamond Sports (baseball/softball), Volleyball, and Running categories of Mizuno USA, Inc. 

Under the leadership of company President Bob Puccini, Mizuno USA, Inc. posted another record setting year in sales revenue and continued strong earnings in 2007, with another double digit increase over previous year’s sales. This is the eighth consecutive year of revenue growth for the company, and since the year 1999, the specialty sporting goods manufacturer has increased revenue more than 2.5 times.  In addition, Mizuno USA has experienced record achievements in market share and brand awareness & vitality. 

Mizuno views this multi-million dollar investment in infrastructure as a key initiative to support the company’s future growth. As a specialty brand, Mizuno services many strategically critical smaller shops and retailers.  The operations of the new Distribution Center will not only allow Mizuno to better serve this important customer base, but will also allow the company to better serve its larger retailers at a time when they are trending from “bulk” shipments to smaller, more frequent orders.  The new Distribution Center utilizes a new, semi-automated “ picking module” which allows Mizuno to more efficiently fill orders of all sizes, greatly reducing turn around times to customers.  In addition to the reduced cycle times, further emphasis will be placed on quality control in support of the brand’s overall value proposition, as automation will reduce errors.

“We take great pride in not only maintaining a leadership position in innovation and performance, but also in the level of service we provide to our customers.  We develop loyal relationships with our customers through enriching and compelling specialty brand experiences, and that of course includes service.” said Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd. “Investing in our infrastructure remains a key focus for Mizuno USA.  Through this multi-million dollar investment, we are not only increasing our service levels, but we are also preparing ourselves to face the new challenges and demands in this constantly evolving marketplace.  It is yet another sign of Mizuno USA’s commitment to our customers and brand value overall.”

Mizuno USA is seamlessly transferring operations from their current Distribution Center, located at company headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, in phases by division to ensure a smooth transition.  The first phase has begun as Mizuno’s running footwear operations have successfully transitioned to the new facility, which will be followed by Diamond products the end of June, and Volleyball products in September.  Distribution for the Mizuno Golf Division will remain in the 100,000+ square foot Norcross Distribution Center where they have currently achieved an impressive three-day average turnaround on all custom golf orders. 

“The market place is changing, and many retailers are requesting more frequent shipments in smaller quantities to be delivered immediately when they need them.” said Saadi Majzoub, Vice President of Supply Chain, Mizuno USA, Inc.  “This new Hamilton Mill Distribution Center is going to allow us to get product out the door faster, helping us meet the changing needs of our customers, and making Mizuno one of the industry leaders in service and delivery.”

Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.