EX-SCRIVNER ALABAMA DEPOT TO CLOSE

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Fleming Cos. here plans to close the former Scrivner distribution center in Montgomery, Ala., by mid-October.

quare-foot Geneva, Ala., facility, the company said.

Fleming acquired Scrivner July 19 and said it would close up to eight Fleming or Scrivner distribution centers over an 18-month period to capitalize on synergies and eliminate duplication.

The Montgomery facility is the third closing Fleming has announced since the deal closed.

Robert E. Stauth, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Fleming, said distribution centers must be combined to achieve efficiency.

"The result will be lower operating costs, more buying power and greater product selection," he said.

Late last month Fleming said it will close former Scrivner facilities in Donna and Victoria, Texas, by the end of September.

The Montgomery warehouse serves 144 supermarkets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi and employs 293 people. A Fleming spokesman said some employees may be offered jobs at Geneva or other Fleming distribution centers as openings occur.

Fleming will attempt to sublease the Montgomery facility.