Georgia anchorage, Vol. 41, no. 1 (1st quarter 2001)

Director's Perspective
J. C. Bamford Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New U.S. Plant
Michaels Stores, Inc. Opens Import Distribution Center in Savannah
Port of Savannah Proved the Logical Choice for The Bombay Company
Pier 1 Imports Continues to Increase the Volume of Cargo Handled via Savannah
Mulberry Grove Plantation - One of Georgia's Historic Treasures

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

In a recent meeting with a distribution center operator, a customer complimented the productivity of our container operations. Paraphrasing his thoughts, he pointed to his own experiences by stating that Savannah is the easiest U.S. South Atlantic port to do business with from "shore to door".
Vision, planning, knowledge, respect for the customer and innovative thinking have driven our efforts. Implementing this philosophy is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from terminal design to technology research and development to sales and marketing.
I'm proud to say we've earned our reputation as a resourceful and productive link in our customers' logistics chain. This reputation is evidenced by our sustained success over the past decade. We've shown a proven ability to effectively work with, and serve, the interests of our four primary constituencies-- shippers, ocean carriers, support services and 8.2 million Georgia residents. Today, their collective reliance upon our ability to deliver reinforces our commitments to each of them.
With the emergence of new products, new markets, new technologies and new business practices to meet the demands of a truly global marketplace, we no longer concentrate exclusively on happenings between the dock and the gate. In putting our business philosophies to work, we have embraced the needs of supply chain logistics to extend our concerns beyond the gate to enhance the success of our constituencies.
Port amenities and a diversified carrier portfolio are only of value when they are part of a comprehensive intermodal network serving the customer. Road and rail miles, same-day radius, infrastructure and ease of access--these are the factors that determine the 21st century port's ability to serve, and expand, its hinterland. Through the tireless efforts of many individuals inside and outside of the Authority, we will soon cut the ribbon on the newest ICTF of its kind on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. Through vision and innovative thinking, this facility will provide Savannah customers with the unique advantage of seamless, expedited service from dock to rail to final destination, or from "shore to door".
International trade may be the most electronic of all businesses. The obstacles presented by vast distances, language barriers and monetary exchanges can only be adequately addressed electronically. For our part, we have made it our business to not only keep abreast of the cutting edge technology innovation, but to help define it. Working in conjunction with our user groups, our Information Technology Department, together with input from our Operations Division, designs, develops and implements the tools that sustain our customers' competitive advantages. Recent success includes a new yard management system powered by NAVIS software and radio frequency technology.

Successful ports demand dynamic infrastructure. Our strategic planning models provide us with a very specific picture and timetable for what it will take to sustain our growth, competitiveness and most important, user satisfaction. Looking to accommodate future growth, we have begun the phased construction of our eighth container berth and will take receipt of up to 4 super post-panamax container cranes over the next 18 to 36 months. Positive progress continues to be made for the ultimate deepening of the Savannah

Navigation Channel from 42 feet to a depth up to 48 feet MLW. In Brunswick, work to begin deepening the navigation channel from 30 feet to 36 feet MLW will commence early next year.
The Authority's vision for Georgia's ports is to expand and equip our terminals with next generation equipment, technology and productive operational strategies which best meet tomorrow's demands today.
Sincerely,
Doug J. Marchand Executive Director

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

J. C. Bamford Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its New U.S. Plant
More than 750 worldwide dealers of J. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd. (JCB) arrived at the Port of Savannah via the M.S. Westerdam to celebrate the "Grand Opening" of the company's new U.S. manufacturing plant. Each day, more than 100,000 vehicles pass by the new facility which is located adjacent to I-95.
During the official dedication ceremony that was held at the plant, Georgia Governor Roy E. Barnes joined JCB Group Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford in celebrating the company's new North American headquarters in Georgia. Located within close proximity to the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, the plant represents a $62 million investment by the British-owned company.
The plant's new 500,000 square-foot facility is conveniently situated on 1,064 acres in Pooler, Ga. "We searched for a unique location to manufacture and distribute equipment to dealers located throughout North America," stated Sir Anthony Bamford. "I believe that our new Georgia-based facility will definitely contribute to the future success of J.C. Bamford. The plant offers excellent interstate and rail connections and is within minutes of port operations."
In January 2000 the first backhoe loader was built at the new manufacturing plant. Since that time, employees have assembled more than 758 backhoes at the Pooler facility. Company officials project that the Pooler plant will eventually employ more than 500 people with the capability of producing 10,000 backhoes on an annual basis.
"J. C. Bamford is a prestigious international organization," stated Governor Roy E. Barnes. "The company's decision to move its North American Headquarters to Georgia speaks volumes for our state. I am impressed with J.C. Bamford's new facility and wish the company much success in its future endeavors."
JCB is well-known as Europe's premier manufacturer of construction equipment and exports 72 percent of its products to 140 territories around the world. It has nine subsidiary companies in Europe. North America represents 40% of the world market for JCB machines.
"We are excited to have JCB's North American Headquarters in Georgia and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the planning process to bring this prestigious event and visitors from 77 countries to Savannah," stated GPA Director of Strategic Development Fitz L. Hiltzheimer.

In 1945, the late Joseph Cyril Bamford founded J. C. Bamford in Rochester, England. Sir Anthony Bamford, Joseph's oldest son, currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of the privately held company. The company has received more than 50 major awards for engineering excellence, exports, design, marketing, management and for its care of the environment. In 1995 the Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited J.C. Bamford to unveil a replica of a garage that resembled the place where Joseph Bamford constructed his first piece of equipment. To further confirm the company's success, the name JCB may be found in the Oxford and Collins Dictionaries.

In conjunction with celebrating the opening of the new U.S. manufacturing plant, equipment dealers throughout the world participated in the "JCB Working With the World 2001" conference. The dealers boarded the M.S. Westerdam, a cruise vessel from Holland America Cruise Line, which carried the group from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to Nassau, Bahamas before docking at the Port of Savannah's Ocean Terminal. After attending the dedication ceremony and touring the plant, guests enjoyed dinner, entertainment and a fireworks display that was choreographed to music over the historic City of Savannah.
"JCB's new U.S. facility operates as a full-service manufacturing plant," stated Doug Friesen, vice president manufacturing. "We import raw products via container then assemble the backhoe loaders on-site. Before a backhoe leaves our facility, employees perform more than 1,200 quality checks. The average cost of a 2001 model JCB backhoe loader ranges from $50,000 to $60,000. Thus far, we have had more than 7,000 international visitors tour the new J. C. Bamford plant. People are interested in learning how heavy construction equipment is assembled. We welcome the opportunity to showcase our equipment."
In addition to utilizing the Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal to import raw products for manufacturing at the new facility, the Port of Brunswick serves as a port of entry for J. C. Bamford construction equipment manufactured in England. The Georgia plant also draws on 227 Georgia-based suppliers which further enhances the economic prosperity of communities located throughout the state.
"I sincerely appreciate the warm welcome that J.C. Bamford received from state and local officials," Sir Anthony Bamford stated. "The company has attracted well-qualified and experienced personnel. We are proud to have these individuals as a part of our team."
To learn more about J. C. Bamford visit www.jcbna.com
|| BACK ||

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

Michaels Stores, Inc. Opens Import Distribution Center in Savannah
Springtime in Savannah is a great time for good weather, blooming flowers and new beginnings. In April 2001, Michael Stores, Inc. completed construction of its new 250,000 square-foot Import Distribution Center representing a $5 million capital investment. Located at the Crossroads Business Center in Savannah, the new facility is strategically located within close proximity to the Port of Savannah and major east-west and north-south corridors.
With over $2 billion in sales annually, Michaels Stores, Inc. is recognized as the largest U.S. arts and crafts specialty retailer providing materials, ideas and education for creative activities in home decor, art and craft projects. Since becoming a publicly held company in 1984 with 16 stores mostly in Texas, the organization has expanded to 628 stores in 48 states, Canada and Puerto Rico; 119 Aaron Brothers stores; and one wholesale operation located in Dallas, Texas.
The new Import Distribution Center will assist in supporting Michaels' aggressive national expansion program which began in the early 1990s. Michaels' stores average 17,900 square-feet of selling space and offer more than 40,000 items with annual store volumes of $3.5 million. Additionally, Michaels.com, the company's website, is expanding to be the leading on-line destination for arts and crafts products. The site is tightly linked to Michaels' brick and mortar stores, which are served by distribution centers such as Michaels' new facility in Savannah.
"The decision by Michaels Stores, Inc. to locate a southeast import distribution center in Savannah is most rewarding to our community," stated GPA Executive Director Doug J. Marchand. "We believe strongly in a cooperative team spirit and all of us will work very hard to encourage the success of the company's operations here in Savannah."
Les Gardner, vice president of distribution for Michaels Stores, Inc., stated, "Michaels plans to import 1,000 plus containers a year through the Savannah Port which will service our 220 southeast stores."
Cooperation among Savannah's government and business leaders was key to Michaels' decision to build near the Port of Savannah and the location was crucial. "It became apparent we needed to move further north and closer to the port," stated Larry Knight, general manager for Michaels Stores, Inc. "We looked at availability, space, proximity to the port and the economics of domestic transportation. We were extremely impressed with how quickly the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), Georgia Ports Authority and American Warehousing responded to our needs. We knew we wanted to be in Savannah and they brought everyone together to make that happen for us," he added.
"We knew Savannah was the best location for the Michaels facility," stated President and CEO of SEDA Richard Knowlton. "Crossroads Business Center allows Michaels to have convenient access to the port as well as to I-95 and I-16, all of which is essential to Michaels

continued success."
The project was developed by American Warehousing, LLC, a joint venture between Rodlock Investments, LLC and Powers Holdings, LLC.
American Port Services (APS), a Savannah-based third party logistics provider, will operate the facility. "APS has established a reputation as an experienced operator for major import and export distribution facilities within the U.S. South Atlantic range," stated American Port Services President George Powers. "We currently operate over 3 million square feet of distribution space and cross-docking facilities for importers such as Michaels and other international retail distributors. While other areas of the nation are worrying about a slowdown, the new facility is expected to bring 50 to 60 new jobs to our community."
Michaels Stores, Inc. is one of ten import distribution facilities that has elected to locate within close proximity to the Port of Savannah's Garden City Containerport Terminal.
|| BACK ||

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

Port of Savannah Proved the Logical Choice for The Bombay Company
Home furnishings retailer, The Bombay Company, recently moved its inbound service to the Port of Savannah's Garden City Terminal because of the high performance in vessel accommodations and cost efficient, quick turn around times. "Since vessels are becoming larger, finding a deep water port was important," said Elizabeth Winkelman, operating vice president, Logistics. "Garden City Terminal is strategically located to handle our inbound cargo destined for Atlanta."
The Bombay Company's 250,000 square foot McDonough, Georgia facility is one of five North American distribution centers servicing over 90 southeastern U.S. stores. "Savannah has seven berths, which was important in our selection," Winkelman continued, "and they have 24-hour service with railroad connections directly to Norfolk Southern and CSX," Winkelman added. "Through an established, long-term relationship with steamship lines, Bombay imports 90% of their product, with approximately 75% from Asia-Pacific. That equates to about 3,500 containers a year, with 850 coming through the Port of Savannah."
"We believe this will be a win-win relationship for The Bombay Company and the Port of Savannah," stated GPA Regional Manager of Cargo Sales Mark Plunkett. "With GPA's Atlanta sales office located near the distribution center and containerized cargo moving via Savannah, we will be able to offer first-class and personalized service to our new customer."
The Bombay Company began in the late 1970s as a small mail order company offering inexpensive, unassembled 18th and 19th Century English furniture reproductions. Over the course of the next 23 years Bombay evolved into one of the nation's premier specialty retailers. In February 1998, Carmie Mehrlander was named president and chief operating officer of the company. With an extensive retail merchandising background, Mehrlander has brought to Bombay a wealth of senior level merchandising, marketing and operational experience. Her strategy of strengthening the buying organization and expanding the home accessories selection has reinforced Bombay's strong position in most of the major malls in the United States and Canada. Now with 400+ retail stores, mail order and the Internet, Bombay has annual sales of over $400 million.
While still carrying some antique reproductions, The Bombay Company now designs and manufacturers its own line of classic, fashion forward furniture and coordinated home accessories. Strong relationships with transportation companies and Bombay's own in-house, state-of-the-art customs clearance/brokerage department make it one of the most successful importing operations in the country today. The Bombay Company is focused on the ever changing needs of its customer, with plans well underway to expand into new markets as well as international business. "We are extremely pleased that Garden City Teminal meets our growing shipping challenges," stated Winkelman.
For more information about The Bombay Company, visit bombayco.com
|| BACK ||

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

Pier 1 Imports Continues to Increase the Volume of Cargo Handled via Savannah
Leafing through the spring 2001 Pier 1 imports merchandise preview is like taking a trip through outdoor markets of 60 different countries, each with its own exotic flavor.
Pier 1 Imports--just mention the name to the consumer and it brings to mind far-off places, romance and special treasures. Mention the name in the business world, and you have North America's largest specialty retailer of unique decorative home furnishings and gifts.
In the home fashion and gift business for nearly 40 years, Pier 1 is best known for its wicker, candles and tabletop items such as dinnerware and stemware. With furniture representing more than 38% of current sales, the company is also one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S.
And those exotic places? They're very real, as the company directly imports from over 60 countries around the world for its 834 stores throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan.
Not content to rest on its laurels, early in Fiscal Year 2000 the organization made substantial changes, the most significant of which was to return the company to the "value" philosophy that for years had made it successful: "Pier 1 Imports offers distinct, casual home furnishings at a good value."
As part of the repositioning, Pier 1 lowered prices on many items, and company buyers committed to a new strategy of sourcing merchandise with more competitive retail prices. Additionally, the company leveraged long-standing relationships with vendors and manufacturers, in some cases even shifting production to other suppliers or countries to improve margins.
Looking to the future, the company sees opportunities to have 1,200 to 1,500 Pier 1 stores in North America. That will mean opening 65 to 75 stores a year to accelerate the growth. That will also mean more activity at the six distribution centers that serve the company's stores in the U.S.
For customers in southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico, the Savannah Pier 1 Import Distribution Center plays a crucial part in bringing the exotic "home." And with 7,000 different stock numbers to supply to its 152 stores, the distribution center is a busy hub of import activity, most of which is handled through the Port of Savannah's Garden City Containerport Terminal.
As part of its renewed attention to the core business and with an eye on its expansion plans, Pier 1 recently established stronger ties with the Georgia Ports Authority. "With our substantial growth in volume over the last few years, we have increased development plans for the Savannah facility, as well as increasing our volume with carriers calling Savannah directly," stated Pier 1 Imports Director of International Logistics Rich Markovich.

"Pier 1 is an excellent customer with an impressive growth record," stated GPA Regional Manager of Cargo Sales Mark Plunkett. "We appreciate the great working relationship we have developed with the company. The Georgia Ports Authority is pleased that Pier 1 will be relying even more on our services for importing containerized cargo via the Port of Savannah. GPA handles approximately three-fourths of the total volume of containers shipped to the Pier 1 Import Distribution Center which is conveniently located within five miles of Garden City Terminal."
"Pier 1 is a valued customer with a great staff and an asset to the community," stated Jeff Schoch, manager of TriStar Freight Systems, Inc. of Savannah. TriStar Freight Systems has provided motor carrier services throughout the U.S. for nearly 15 years.
From its modest beginnings as a single store in San Mateo, California, to its on-line store located at pier1.com, Pier 1 Imports has firmly established itself as an international shopping experience. And as the containers of merchandise continue to come from those far-away places, more and more people will find that "exotic" can take on a whole new meaning.
|| BACK ||

First Quarter 2001

Volume 41 No. 1

Mulberry Grove Plantation - One of Georgia's Historic Treasures
Savannah has a long and productive relationship with the river that is its namesake. The emergence of the State of Georgia as a leader in the international trade arena dates from 1733 when our forebears had the vision to establish the Port of Savannah as the state's economic and military cornerstone. The first settlers arrived in that year from England aboard the 220-ton Anne. Their purpose? To establish a bulkhead against the northward expansion of the Spanish.
Soon after the settler's arrival, General James Ogelthorpe planned a bluff site for a military outpost to protect Savannah and named this area Joseph's Town. Joseph's Town would later become Mulberry Plantation, the location where Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin launching the Port of Savannah as "King Cotton Port of The World." In addition to the fact that it is home to the invention which revolutionized the production of cotton, the plantation is historically significant to Georgia because of its economic importance among the surrounding plantations.

Development of Mulberry Grove In 1736, John Cuthbert, Patrick Mackay and George Dunbar, Scottish highlander officers, each received a grant of 500 acres of property and settled at Joseph's Town. John Cuthbert, who possibly brought over Georgia's first indentured servants to develop and farm the land, set out a mulberry nursery to support the silk industry in Georgia. That would eventually give the plantation its name. Cuthbert built a house on the land where he and his sister lived, but in 1739, he died leaving his sister Ann Cuthbert the property. Ann Cuthbert is probably the first woman to own land in Georgia because it was earlier in that same year that the Trustees' lifted a regulation which allowed inheritance of land only to male relatives.
Ann Cuthbert married Dr. Patrick Graham, President of the colony of Georgia and later a member of the Royal Governor's Council in 1740. Dr. Graham developed the mulberry nursery on the plantation to a profitable position selling trees and seedlings to others to grow. This was about the time Mulberry Grove earned its name. Dr. Graham also grew cotton and harvested timber at the plantation, but was most successful financially with rice. The swampy, tidal land of the plantation was well suited for the crop and Dr. Graham began the cultivation of rice in 1749 using possibly some of the earliest slaves in Georgia. Dr. Graham died in 1755.
Ann Cuthbert Graham married James Bulloch of South Carolina in 1758. Bulloch owned Pon Pon Plantation near Walterboro, South Carolina, before moving to Georgia. During the next six years, rice continued as the principal crop on the plantation. Ann Bulloch died in 1764 and the property was left to Mr. Bulloch. During the next 10 years, ownership of Mulberry Grove Plantation changed several times.
In 1774, John Graham, member of the King's Council and later Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, purchased the plantation. Graham, not related to the earlier Mulberry inhabitant of the same name, came from Scotland in 1753 to settle in Georgia where he succeeded in the import/export business. A wealthy man who owned an extensive amount of property in the

state, Graham built a new house and supporting buildings after purchasing the plantation. Graham, a loyalist, was forced to flee with his family from Savannah in 1776 and return to England.
The State of Georgia seized Mulberry Grove as a loyalist property in 1783. Just two years later, it was awarded to Major General Nathaniel Greene of the Continental Army for his service in Georgia during the Revolutionary War. Greene settled his family at Mulberry Grove and began its rehabilitation following years of neglect. However, in 1786, Major General Greene died suddenly of sunstroke while visiting a neighbor. Mrs. Greene and their five children continued to live at the plantation. Mrs. Greene entertained President Washington at Mulberry Grove twice during his southern tour in 1791.
Eli Whitney Invents the Cotton Gin Eli Whitney arrived as a guest at Mulberry Grove Plantation in 1793. Mrs. Greene employed Whitney as a tutor for Revolutionary War hero General Nathaniel Greene's children. While at Mulberry, Whitney recognized the need for a more expeditious means of preparing cotton for an expanding market. He experimented with different models to create a machine that would separate cottonseeds from cotton fibers. Phineas Miller, the plantation manager at Mulberry Grove, was the financial backer for Whitney's work.
After working on the project for approximately one year in a small room of the Mulberry Grove Plantation home, Eli Whitney gained worldwide recognition for inventing the cotton gin. The machine quickly revolutionized the cotton industry and the South continued to gain strength as a leading producer and exporter of cotton.
Although Whitney nor Miller reaped financial success for the invention, Eli Whitney is still recognized as one of the greatest inventors of the 18th century and the "father of the cotton gin."
The widow of Nathaniel Greene sold Mulberry Grove Plantation in 1800 to Major Edward Harden. After passing through the hands of several owners, the plantation was purchased by Zachariah M. Winkler. In 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman burned the Mulberry house and buildings. The descendents of Zachariah Winkler kept the property in the family until 1975 when it was sold to BASF-Wyandotte Corporation.
Future of Mulberry Grove The Georgia Ports Authority bought Mulberry Grove from BASF-Wyandotte Corporation and is responsible for the protection of the valuable historical and archeological resources located on the property. The original plantation is now part of a 2,200-acre tract that also includes Drakie Plantation and the Thompson tract.
"Portions of Mulberry represent one of Georgia's historic treasures," stated GPA Executive Director Doug J. Marchand. "The land was purchased by the Georgia Ports Authority in 1986. A significant piece of the 2,200-acre site is being placed in a restrictive covenant and will remain in a protected state." Hundreds of acres of the Mulberry Grove tract is in the process of being placed under a restrictive covenant which will prevent any future commercial development on the property. Permits have been requested to extend Foreign Trade Zone 104 to include the remaining portion of the land.

"Any future development of Mulberry Grove will coexist with the Authority's ongoing preservation efforts for the site," Marchand added. "Some of the land is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and we value the importance of this designation. The Authority has taken protective measures to insure archeological remnants located on the property do not fall into the hands of unwelcome intruders."
For additional information about Mulberry Grove Plantation, Contact Hope Moorer, GPA Program Manager, Navigation Improvement Projects, at (912) 964-3883.
|| BACK ||