Allied Holdings, Inc. To Cut Jobs; Allied Announces Restructuring
Allied Holdings, Inc. To Cut Jobs; Allied Announces Restructuring
DECATUR, Ga., Aug. 1 Allied Holdings, Inc. announced today it is eliminating approximately 50 jobs -- roughly 15% of its work force in its corporate office (Corporate Service Center) in Decatur, Ga. Allied had previously reduced its corporate office staff by approximately 60 jobs during the first half of the year. In total, Allied has eliminated roughly 25% of the positions at its corporate office during 2001. Allied expects a total annual benefit of approximately $10 million as a result of the job eliminations at its corporate office. Allied will take an after-tax charge of approximately $1 million in the third quarter relating to the elimination of corporate positions and certain positions in the field related to the restructuring. "This additional reduction of non-core corporate positions at Allied is a difficult but necessary step in our aggressive plan to revitalize our company. As we have indicated, Allied will execute the key elements of our turnaround plan including the elimination of all non-contributory costs. Fortunately, Allied has a highly capable corporate team, and we expect no erosion in customer service as a result of these changes," Hugh E. Sawyer, President and CEO, said. "We are also changing our benefits plans for non-bargaining employees effective September 1, 2001, to include employee contributions to benefit costs and some modifications in plan design. These changes to our benefit plans should save Allied $4 million per year," continued Mr. Sawyer. In addition to the job cuts at the home office announced by Allied, approximately 1,100 drivers, mechanics and yard personnel remain on lay-off and excess equipment remains idled as Allied continues to rigorously manage capacity utilization. Allied also announced the restructuring of its senior management team, with Hugh Sawyer now managing twelve direct reports. Mr. Sawyer said "Although this is a broad reporting structure for the President and Chief Executive Officer, it is a technique we will use to expedite the decision- making process that is vital in a successful turnaround. I believe that our new organizational structure will promote cross-functional communication, encourage and allow for teamwork among senior executives, and improve the depth of analysis of issues. The result is that we will have a flatter, leaner organization which will allow us to eliminate several senior officer positions." Allied announced in connection with the restructuring that Joseph W. Collier will resign as a member of the Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President, Planning-Development. Mr. Collier will remain with Allied as a Special Advisor to the President and will continue to build upon the existing relationships established with Allied and its major customers. "I am delighted that Joe will continue to serve in an important client relationship management role," said Mr. Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer, concluded, "We expect the aggregate annual impact of our corporate sizing effort and benefits changes to yield approximately $14 million in fiscal year 2002. Although our industry and our company are faced with challenging economic conditions, Allied remains the best possible candidate in the industry to ultimately achieve superior economic and service performance." About Allied Holdings Allied Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of several subsidiaries engaged in providing logistics, distribution and transportation services to the automotive industry. The services of Allied's subsidiaries span the entire finished vehicle distribution continuum, and include logistics, car- hauling, intramodal transport, inspection, accessorization, and dealer prep. Allied, through its subsidiaries, is the largest company in North America specializing in the delivery of new and used vehicles. Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements. Such statements include, without limitations, any statements containing the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions. Investors are cautioned that such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Without limitation, these risks and uncertainties include economic recessions or extended or more severe downturns in new vehicle production or sales, the highly competitive nature of the automotive distribution industry, the ability to comply with the terms of its debt agreements, the ability of the Company to obtain financing in the future, the Company's highly leveraged financial position, dependence on the automotive industry, labor disputes involving the Company or its significant customers, the dependence on key personnel who have been hired or retained by the Company, the ability to obtain price increases from customers, the availability of strategic acquisitions, dispositions, or joint venture partners, changes in regulatory requirements which are applicable to the Company's business, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, and changes in vehicle sizes and weights which may impact vehicle deliveries per load. Investors are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in this press release and in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For additional information about Allied, please visit the website at http://www.alliedholdings.com .
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