Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2004
Contact: Steve Alderman, 601-360-9466

New Look, New Plan, New Attitude
Stuart C. Irby Co. Poised for Greater Successes in Electrical Wholesaling

JACKSON, Miss. – Stuart C. Irby Co. officials have plotted a new course for the company, with hopes of building upon the successes of the past. Irby, one of the nation’s leading electrical wholesalers, set a company record for sales growth during 2003-2004.

Last year’s success marks the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the Mississippi-based company, which operates branches in nine states. Major changes are being implemented to improve sales, efficiency and customer service.

“We’re evolving into a better company while maintaining our business principles,” said company president Stuart M. Irby. “We expect to become either the number one or number two distributor in each of our markets.”

Irby’s optimism is based on a broad-based plan to modernize company policies and sales processes, streamline operations, and implement a new marketing approach. The company this week unveiled a new corporate logo, aggressive expansion plans and operational changes to spur rapid growth.

The company sponsored an official kickoff for the new initiatives this week in Jackson, Miss. On hand for the kickoff are employees from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The company has 650 employees and 34 locations.

“Our operations are streamlining to provide exceptional customer service so that we can proactively meet the needs of our customers,” Irby said. “We are a strong player in the electrical distribution industry, and we are moving aggressively to exceed the expectations of our customers and employees.”

Following a streamlining of its workforce, the company established Performance Enhancement Teams composed of existing employees. Each team evaluated designated operations or challenges, and developed plans for implementing solutions. The company plans to implement changes in such areas as sales, training, inventory management, delivery, and even compensation and incentive plans among Stuart C. Irby Co. employees.
The company will also re-examine operating policies to enhance Stuart C. Irby Co.’s competitive position and improve customer service. The company will explore strategic alliances in such areas as trucking and other delivery services, and will implement new wireless communications protocols to assist sales, inventory management and other company operations.

For more than 75 years, Stuart C. Irby Co. has been a key player in the electrical wholesaling industry, serving a multitude of customers in the utility, commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

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Stuart C. Irby Co. was founded in 1926 and is based in Jackson, Mississippi with 650 employees in 34 locations in nine states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas). To find out more, go to www.irby.com.