TRUE TEMPER ANNOUNCES NEW WEST COAST
OPERATIONS
Memphis, Tennessee - December 9, 1998 - After careful analysis and planning,
True Temper Sports has made the decision to consolidate its True Temper and
Grafalloy composite operations into one expanded, state-of-the-art facility in
El Cajon, California. This move will result in the closure of the current True
Temper production facility located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The
consolidation of operations is scheduled to be completed no later than the 2nd
quarter of 1999.
The new facility more than doubles the existing Grafalloy location and will
utilize world-class cellular manufacturing workflow and automated production
techniques. The move will allow the combined operations to drive innovation,
quality and improved efficiency. The goal is to continue to create top selling
premium products, such as the True Temper EI-70 and Grafalloy ProLite. Both
companies' brands are expected to maintain their individual identities in the
marketplace. True Temper and Grafalloy customers should experience no
interruption of shaft supply or service during the consolidation.
Commenting on the move, Scott Hennessy, CEO of True Temper states, "We are very
excited about the potential of having expanded production capabilities,
increased capacity, and the ability to drive product and service improvements
for our customers. This new facility will invest not only in new production
techniques, but also be able to accommodate the processing of new materials."
True Temper Sports is the leading manufacturer of golf shafts in the world, and
is consistently the number one shaft on Tour. The Company markets a complete
line of shafts under the True Temper, Grafalloy, and True Temper Titanium Shaft
brands, and sells these brands in over 30 countries throughout the world. The
Company employs over 700 people in seven facilities, located in the U.S, Europe,
Japan and Australia.