Discount Auto Selects Site for Second Distribution Center

13 April 2000

Discount Auto Selects Site for Second Distribution Center

    LAKELAND, Fla.--April 12, 2000--Discount Auto Parts Inc. announced today it plans to break ground during April on a new, $25 million auto parts distribution center in the greater Jackson, Miss. area. The 400,000 square foot operation will serve the company's current and future stores in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas and parts of Georgia. The company's existing 605,000 square foot distribution center in Lakeland, Fla. will continue to serve stores in Florida, as well as selected other locations.
    The new warehouse distribution center, to be located near Interstate 55 in the city of Gallman in Copiah County, will be a fully operational distribution center and will initially employ approximately 250 to 300 people. The new facility is expected to be operational January 2001.
    "The 77-acre site we selected in Copiah County is well-located to provide us with the geographic accessibility we sought to service our current and expanding markets in the Southeast," said C. Michael Moore, chief financial officer for Discount Auto Parts. "The site also was advantageous for the company because of the excellent package of economic incentives offered by Copiah County, as well as its strong local labor force from which we can attract the team members we'll need."
    The site was one of more than 40 considered by Discount Auto Parts since last fall. The Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Involvement, the Copiah County Economic Development District and the Copiah County Board of Supervisors all played key roles in the deal.
    "The new Discount Auto Parts distribution center is a significant boost, not only for Copiah County, but also for the entire state of Mississippi," said Chandler Russ, executive director of the Copiah County Economic Development District. "We look forward to being a vital part of Discount Auto Parts' plans to expand its reach."
    The new facility is expected to be financed through a lease arrangement funded by SunTrust Bank. SunTrust and SunTrust Equitable Securities have worked closely with the Company over the last six months to provide a unique financing solution for the project.

    Discount Auto Parts is one of the southeast's leading specialty retailers and suppliers of automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories to both the DIY consumers and professional mechanics and service technicians. The Company currently operates over 600 stores located throughout Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and South Carolina.