The plan will be fully implemented by mid-year 2000.
Integration involves several factors including strategy, structure and productivity improvement.
Led by our product group management, this plan is consistent with our original strategies and is the next logical step to achieve our goals. Going forward, we expect earnings improvements to be derived from acquisitions, organic growth and the internal efficiencies that result from this integration plan. Under the plan, Metals USA will eliminate duplicate positions throughout the company by consolidating support functions, primarily administrative positions. Additionally, the company will integrate five processing facilities into other operating facilities that provide overlapping services in the same geographic area. Together, these changes will impact less than five percent of Metals USA's total workforce of 4,200 employees without affecting the local sales and customer service focus.