Lowe's to Build Flatbed Distribution Center

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lowe's Companies, Inc. , the world's second largest home improvement retailer, announced its plans for a new flatbed distribution center in St. Joseph, Mo. The company will retrofit the former Nestle pet food manufacturing facility located at 2017 Lower Lake Road in St. Joseph. Retrofitting a facility such as this represents a $12 to $16 million average investment including land, construction and equipment. The facility will supply products to more than 75 Lowe's retail stores in the Midwest.

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"Missouri's economy is strong, robust and growing and Lowe's decision to invest in St. Joseph and Missouri enhances our commitment to job creation and economic development," said Governor Matt Blunt. "We expect that our relationship with Lowe's will continue to grow as we work to improve the quality of life for all Missourians."

The approximate 200,000-sq. ft. facility is situated on a 20-acre site. Construction will begin immediately and the facility is expected to begin shipping operations in July 2006. The facility will initially employ 35 people.

"We are pleased to welcome Lowe's and their distribution center," stated St. Joseph Mayor David Jones. "This project will complement St. Joseph's existing base of retail, service industry, life sciences and manufacturing companies. In addition, a premier company such as Lowe's will raise awareness of St. Joseph as a prime location for distribution center facilities."

Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Thomas Mann, III added, "The County was pleased to support the location of the Lowe's Distribution Center in St. Joseph through use of County Economic Development Funds. The jobs that Lowe's Distribution Center will create will be a welcome addition to our County."

The St. Joseph flatbed distribution center will service Lowe's stores in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and North Dakota.

"Our flatbed distribution centers play a vital role in the state-of-the- art distribution network that keeps Lowe's stores supplied with the products our customers need," said Mike Mabry, Lowe's executive vice president of logistics and distribution. "St. Joseph's outstanding workforce, support for this project at both the local and state level, and the geographic proximity to Lowe's growing store base in the Midwest all made this location a win-win solution in helping us continue to meet our goals to better serve our customers."

The flatbed center will receive rail and truck shipments of large, bulky products from suppliers. Products will then be quickly loaded as customized orders on flatbed trucks destined for Lowe's stores in the Midwest. Lowe's currently operates 13 regional flatbed centers throughout the United States.

Support for the project was provided by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Department of Economic Development and Kansas City Area Development Council.

ABOUT LOWE'S:

With fiscal year 2004 sales of $36.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 11 million customers a week at more than 1,175 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 59-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.