Harris Teeter 2004 Annual Report Download - page 6

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Ruddick Corporation & Subsidiaries Annual Report ’04
PG
3
About 53 percent of American & Efird’s sales in fiscal 2004 were generated by its foreign
operations, up from only about 29 percent in fiscal 1999. In order to service these
customers, American & Efird now has investments or licensees in manufacturing facilities
and service centers in Africa, Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico,
and South America. This is in addition to the manufacturing facilities and service centers in
the United States.
However, whether the work is done in a wholly owned facility, a joint venture or through a
license agreement, the quality and service must be the same worldwide. American & Efird
continues to see improved results from its global positioning.
In addition to following our customers, we are following our customers’ customers
—
the retail chains, brand marketers, and name-brand fashion houses that buy and retail the
finished goods. For a number of years we have undertaken a significant education process
with these “end users” to show them the quality and efficiency we can bring to the
manufacturing process, so they will specify American & Efird thread in the garments they
sell. This “push-pull” strategy sets American & Efird apart in the marketplace, and is one
more example of how we are adapting toward our success.
In closing, my thanks go to all of our associates throughout the world for their dedication,
their passion for excellent customer service, and all they do on a day-to-day basis that
demonstrates their commitment to not only their success but the success of Ruddick as well.
Thomas W. Dickson
President and Chief Executive Officer