Sedlak Client Jo-Ann Stores Opens New West Coast Distribution Center.

Business Editors

RICHFIELD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

With a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, officially opened its new 630,000 square foot Visalia Distribution Center (VDC) in Visalia, California.

The facility

Before the new facility opened, western Jo-Ann stores received products primarily from the Hudson distribution center. The new VDC allows for faster store replenishment directly from the distribution center, reduces outbound transportation costs, and improves productivity with the implementation of new material handling concepts.

Operations in the new VDC are re-engineered versions of the systems previously designed by Sedlak for the 1.1 million square foot Hudson distribution center. The design for the VDC includes 7 selection modules, 3 additional induction lines, a Rapistan Systems flex merge conveyor which allows picking directly into the sortation system, and a 500-foot shipping sorter.

Anthony Dissinger, Jo-Ann Stores senior vice president supply chain management and logistics, said "We are very pleased with the facility. The project was executed flawlessly and included partnerships with several design companies and material handling vendors that performed exceptionally."

Tony Lago, Jo-Ann Stores director of distribution center operations, commented "Having Sedlak and Rapistan automate the Hudson Distribution Center and then team with Haskell has been great. We have been able to take the knowledge and create a flexible and efficient new warehouse to support our distribution processes."

Jack Bonanno, Sedlak vice president, said, "This project was a collaboration of many talented team members. Its on-schedule, on-budget delivery is a testimonial to this committed team. We all worked together to create the optimal solution for Jo-Ann Stores."

About Sedlak Management Consultants

Sedlak provides logistics and supply chain consulting services to direct-to-customer, retail and manufacturing/wholesale clients. Services include strategy development, facility design, and selection and implementation of information systems and materials handling equipment. The result: competitive advantage through recognizably superior distribution operations.

Sedlak is headquartered in Richfield, Ohio. More information about Sedlak's work with clients is available at www.jasedlak.com.