The Longaberger Company announced that it has reached a letter of agreement with the City of Akron, which calls for the company to construct a basket-making operation in Akron's Massillon Road Industrial Park, located in Springfield Township. The company anticipates starting construction this year with opening planned for late 2002.

Currently, the company operates a 430-person basketmaking and wood operation in its Hartville facility. Upon completion of the new facility, 300 basketmaking operations employees will move to the Akron facility, located 10 minutes from the existing Hartville facility. Approximately 130 wood operations, dye department and some administrative support position employees will remain in Hartville.

"Space constraints at the existing facility, our commitment to our Hartville area employees, and the opportunity to construct a building designed to enhance efficiencies and improve customer service were major factors in this announcement," said Tami Longaberger. "The new 30-acre site's close proximity to Hartville will be convenient for current employees. Because we care about the quality and balance of work and life in our employees' lives, the new facility also will include on-site child care, a health clinic complete with a physician and nurse's staff and fitness facilities," she added.

Akron Mayor Plusquellic congratulated and thanked Tami Longaberger and the company for recognizing the opportunities for growth at the Akron site. "Longaberger has achieved remarkable growth over the past decade, and we welcome its expansion into the Akron area. This development is a testament to the value of our Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) that we are able to offer desirable, convenient real estate that will benefit Longaberger, Springfield Township and the city of Akron," the mayor said.

"The demand for our Longaberger baskets and home accessories necessitated expanding our basketmaking capabilities. American consumers want quality and craftsmanship, and Longaberger gives them just that. This announcement of growth is an important step for the company, and one that says Longaberger remains committed to our Hartville area employees, as well as to the state of Ohio," she said.

The Longaberger Company is a $1 billion company and the largest manufacturer of handmade baskets in the United States.  The company has 8,700 employees, and nearly 70,000 sales associates in all 50 states.

Telephone 740-372-5000
Facsimile 740-372-5240
www.longaberger.com