Mizuno USA, a global sporting goods company, has fully transitioned all distribution and manufacturing operations to a new high-tech facility in Barrow County. Designed to support accelerated growth goals in the next five years, the new 520,000-square-foot facility located in Braselton, Ga. significantly increases the current supply chain footprint to fulfill and sustain ongoing business growth, supply chain demand and morphing customer base and consumer buying behavior. The facility also includes all Mizuno golf club manufacturing for the North American market.

"Mizuno is making moves to fast-track growth and further strengthen the brand as a frontrunner in the U.S. sporting goods market," said Bob Puccini, President of Mizuno USA, Inc. and Director of Mizuno Corporation. "Our investment in cutting-edge infrastructure, like this distribution center, affords us the opportunity to continue growth while also benefitting from the additional resources, efficiencies and service capabilities provided by the new facility. This is an important milestone that will provide us the business flexibility needed to meet the ever-evolving demands of today's omni-channel, consumer-driven marketplace."

"Mizuno USA has had a strong history in Georgia, and we are thrilled they chose Barrow County to take the company to the next level," said Chris Carr, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "Georgia has become a leading location for distribution centers – our seamlessly connected logistics infrastructure gives companies easy access to customers and consumers around the world."

"The Barrow County Chamber is excited to have our newest company, Mizuno USA, as a corporate citizen," said Tommy Jennings, CEO/President of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce. "The jobs that Mizuno USA brings continues the vitality that Barrow County business creates, and we hope Mizuno USA will continue its worldwide growth, and local success."

The new Mizuno USA Distribution and Manufacturing Center represents cutting-edge processes in logistics and is capable of advanced distribution operations. The facility features the sophisticated resources necessary for efficient supply chain distribution, including over two miles of conveyance, a high-speed merge sorter, zone route technology supported by camera-based scanning technology, three-story high velocity pick module, and two-story flexible dense picking area.

"Decisions of this magnitude are not made lightly. This multi-million dollar IT and distribution infrastructure investment will play a major role in our continued growth," said Josh Creasman, Vice President of Supply Chain, Mizuno USA. "It was a comprehensive process to find our distribution and manufacturing home for the next decade. From a network optimization study detailing logistics infrastructure of the region connected to our customer base, to the proximity of the Mizuno USA corporate offices and talented team, there were big advantages to selecting Braselton as our distribution hub for the North American region."

Efficiencies have been created by the new distribution and manufacturing center, including consolidation of distribution logistics and a technology-enabled pick, pack and ship process. The additional square footage also significantly increases Mizuno USA's golf manufacturing center production capacity. The Distribution and Manufacturing Center employs more than 160 full-time positions and offers seasonal work opportunities.