Harris Teeter 2005 Annual Report Download - page 7

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Ruddick Corporation & Subsidiaries Annual Report 2005
American & Efird is leveraging technology to
improve communications and provide superior
service throughout the global supply chain for
sewn products. Our web-based tools include:
ANESYST® , a business-to-business order and
inventory management system; and ANECOLOR® ,
a color communication system that minimizes
color match cycle time and allows us to better
service our customers. American & Efird also
has developed ANECALCSM , which is a tool used
to estimate thread usage and garment thread
cost. These systems are assisting our customers
in reducing cycle time and making better trim
cost decisions.
In addition to the dramatic transformation
taking place in China, American & Efird further
expanded its global presence by establishing a
joint venture in Brazil. During 2005 we entered
into a license agreement with Linhas Bonfio S.A.
that allows Bonfio to offer American & Efird’s
high-quality branded products in Brazil.
American & Efird’s domestic operations
are also undergoing a transformation that
entails the diversification and expansion of
product offerings resulting from our strategic
acquisitions of Synthetic Thread Company, Inc.
in August of fiscal 2004, and Ludlow Textiles
Company, Inc. and Robison-Anton Textile Co.
during fiscal 2005. We now produce a variety
of specialty engineered yarn products for mainly
non-apparel industries as well as a broad range
of embroidery threads. We look forward to
integrating these new products into our existing
manufacturing processes and leveraging our
technical expertise to produce other similar
products that will be backed by American &
Efird’s long-standing reputation for quality,
service and value.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to
provide the best customer service. This means we
must anticipate the changes that are dictated by
changing demographics, consumer preferences
and market influences. Our ability to transform
our business to meet these changes and other
competitive challenges is founded upon our
associates. We thank all of our associates
throughout the world for their dedication and
commitment to our goal of providing customer
service that is second to none.
Thomas W. Dickson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fred J. Morganthall, II
President – Harris Teeter
Fred A. Jackson
President – American & Efird