Aarons 2001 Annual Report Download - page 15

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12
BUILDING
Building for the future is the mission of the Company’s
manufacturing arm, MacTavish Furniture Industries, which
supplies the constantly growing needs of Aaron’s stores
across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
MacTavish provides a unique advantage in the Aaron Rents plan for growth by producing full lines of
furniture, accessories and bedding at 11 facilities in four states. Supporting this manufacturing capability is an
expanding network of distribution centers, a dedicated service system for our stores unmatched by any com-
petitor. This combination enables Aaron’s stores to provide same-day or next-day delivery of orders, the key to
success in the rental, sales and lease ownership business.
During the past year MacTavish produced more than $47 million in furniture, accessories and bedding at cost,
ranking this division among the top furniture manufacturers in the United States. MacTavish lines are not only
designed to accord with contemporary market trends but also are made to be functional and durable, qualities
demanded by the long-established high standards of the Company and required for multiple rentals.
Three major construction projects initiated in 2001 to enhance both production and distribution included
the expansion of a manufacturing facility, the opening of a new distribution center and completion of a new
designer lamp factory.
MacTavish began an addition of 100,000 square feet to its manufacturing and warehousing facility in Cairo,
Georgia. Completion of the project in Spring 2002 will increase the size of the facility to 250,000 square feet,
a key part of the production and supply chain for Aaron’s stores.
The Company’s seventh regional distribution center was completed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,
another link in the national network. Most Aaron’s stores are now within a 250-mile radius of a distribution
center, assuring timely shipment of supplies to the stores and fast delivery of orders to customers.
Another significant project was the completion of a new lamp manufacturing plant in Tampa, Florida. The
new facility and the original plant in Los Angeles produce designer lamps, tables and accessories exclusively
designed for Aaron and coordinated with the MacTavish furniture lines for our stores, another distinct advantage
held by Aaron Rents. The new plant provides still another major benefit by sharply reducing costs of shipping
lamps and related products to stores in the eastern United States, which previously depended on the Los
Angeles facility.
MACTAVISH FURNITURE INDUSTRIES
AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS:
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE