American Eagle Outfitters More Than Doubles its Midwest Distribution Center

American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 798 AE stores in 50states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 71 AE stores inCanada. AE also operates ae.com, which ships around the world.

"The expanded center will provide distribution solutions in threeareas of the company. AE Direct, the company's Internet business, willnow be handled through the Ottawa facility, as will our complete lineof intimate apparel and the new Martin+Osa line, a new sportswearconcept targeting 25 to 45 year old women and men, this fall," saysRichard Stukus, Senior Director Operations and Projects for AmericanEagle Outfitters. Ironically, AE selected the name Martin+Osa afterKansas adventurers Martin and Osa Johnson.

"We were thrilled when American Eagle decided to come here fiveyears ago and the fact that they chose to further invest theirresources in our community," says Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Presidentand Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Weigand.

In fact, location played a major role in American Eagle's decisionto settle in Ottawa in 2000. Located about 55 miles southwest ofdowntown Kansas City, Ottawa is strategically situated off I-35, a keytraffic flow for shipping from Mexico to Canada.

American Eagle has called in two nationally recognized leaders inconstruction and materials handling to partner in the facilityexpansion. Both Vargo Engineered Material Handling Solutions inColumbus, Ohio, and H&M Company, Inc. in Jackson, Tennessee, aDesign/Build company, have worked with American Eagle on pastprojects.

Building design and prep will begin immediately, with the firstphase of construction scheduled to start in September of this year.The physical building is expected to be completed and operational byApril 2007. American Eagle plans to add nearly 300 new jobs as aresult of the expansion.

For more information about American Eagle Outfitters, visit theirwebsite, www.AE.com.