Ethan Allen’s Western North Carolina Distribution Center Begins Recovery Process Following Hurricane Helene

Rhea-AI Summary

Ethan Allen's distribution center in Old Fort, North Carolina, has been impacted by flooding from Hurricane Helene, causing a pause in daily shipping operations due to road access for tractor trailers. Recovery efforts have begun, including restoring electricity and internet connectivity. The company's major upholstery operations in central North Carolina were not significantly affected and are operating normally.

CEO Farooq Kathwari expressed concern for those impacted and reaffirmed Ethan Allen's commitment to supporting the western North Carolina community. The company is rerouting shipments through its logistics network to minimize service disruptions. Ethan Allen's vertically integrated structure and strong North American manufacturing base, producing 75% of its products, provides flexibility in managing operations during this challenging time.

Positive

• Major upholstery operations in central North Carolina operating at normal capacity
• 75% of products made in North America, providing operational flexibility
• Ability to reroute shipments through logistics network to minimize disruptions

Negative

• Distribution center in Old Fort, NC unable to resume daily shipping operations
• road accessibility for tractor trailers due to flooding
• Potential short-term impact on shipments to select wholesale customers

DANBURY, Conn., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An Ethan Allen distribution center located in Old Fort, North Carolina, was recently impacted by the significant flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The distribution center, which primarily focuses on shipping custom-made home furnishings to select wholesale customers, has not yet resumed daily shipping operations due to limited road accessibility for tractor trailers.

Recovery efforts have already begun, including restoration of electricity and internet connectivity. The Company’s major upholstery operations, which are located in central North Carolina, were not significantly disrupted by Hurricane Helene and are currently operating at normal capacity.

“Ethan Allen has a long history of operating in North Carolina, including one of our regional distribution centers in the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains. We are very involved in these communities,” said Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President and CEO of Ethan Allen. “The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene has affected so many, and we would like to express our heartfelt concern for everyone impacted during this difficult time. We have begun the recovery process and want to express our commitment to supporting our neighbors in western North Carolina.”

Like many local businesses, Ethan Allen is managing the evolving situation at its Old Fort distribution center. Ethan Allen’s vertically integrated structure and strong manufacturing base in North America, where 75% of its products are made, offers the Company the ability to reroute operations and minimize disruptions in service.

“We are proactively working through our logistics network to reroute shipments, so we can continue to serve our clients while our Old Fort distribution center restores operations,” Mr. Kathwari said. “We’re committed to standing by our resilient associates and supporting the region’s recovery through several philanthropic efforts.”

ABOUT ETHAN ALLEN
Ethan Allen (NYSE:ETD), recently named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek, is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. Our design centers, which represent a mix of independent licensees and Company-owned and operated locations, offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. Vertically integrated from product design through logistics, we manufacture about 75% of our custom-crafted products in our North American manufacturing facilities and have been recognized for product quality and craftsmanship since 1932. Learn more at www.ethanallen.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

FAQ

How has Hurricane Helene affected Ethan Allen's (ETD) operations in North Carolina?

Hurricane Helene has caused significant flooding, impacting Ethan Allen's distribution center in Old Fort, North Carolina. The center has paused daily shipping operations due to road access for tractor trailers. However, the company's major upholstery operations in central North Carolina were not significantly affected and are operating normally.

What measures is Ethan Allen (ETD) taking to manage the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene?

Ethan Allen is rerouting shipments through its logistics network to minimize service disruptions. The company's vertically integrated structure and strong North American manufacturing base, which produces 75% of its products, provides flexibility in managing operations during this challenging time. Recovery efforts have begun at the affected distribution center, including restoring electricity and internet connectivity.

How is Ethan Allen (ETD) supporting the recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene?

Ethan Allen has expressed commitment to supporting the western North Carolina community. CEO Farooq Kathwari stated that the company is committed to standing by their associates and supporting the region's recovery through several philanthropic efforts. The company has also begun the recovery process at its affected distribution center in Old Fort.