Under Armour Chooses Anne Arundel County for Distribution and Assembly Operations

Relocation and Expansion in Anne Arundel County Brings 60 New Jobs With 141 Projected by Next Year

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (December 18, 2003) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced today that Under Armour Performance Apparel will consolidate and relocate its distribution and assembly operations in Pasadena, Maryland at Marley Neck Industrial Park.  The 346,000 square foot building, one of the largest distribution buildings available in the region, will be occupied in phases in order to allow Under Armour to manage its explosive growth.  The Pasadena facility will replace the company's current facility in Baltimore County.

Under Armour is expected to move into its new location in the first quarter of 2004, initially occupying 150,000 square feet with expansion capability of up to 346,000 square feet.  The company plans to house its primary distribution and assembly operations that will result in the creation of 60 jobs and up to 141 new jobs in Anne Arundel County by 2005.

"Our decision to locate in Anne Arundel County allows Under Armour to manage and grow our company well into the future," commented Kevin Plank, president and founder of Under Armour Performance Apparel.  "Our new distribution center is strategically located to continue to serve our customers, retain our valued employees, and is in close proximity to our corporate headquarters in Baltimore City.  Anne Arundel County gives us easy access to transportation options via land, sea and air as we grow our sales internationally."

Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel, a line of moisture-wicking microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout.  Most of the products are compression garments that help prevent muscle fatigue while working out.  The diverse line includes apparel for all seasons and climates, allowing the body to regulate its temperature naturally through the process of moisture transport.  The company has grown revenues 12,753 percent over the past five years and was recently ranked as the second fastest growing privately held company on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 500 listing.  Founder Kevin Plank has also been featured as one of the nation's top business leaders by Ernst & Young, and in publications including Time magazine, The New York Times and Fast Company.  

Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens commented, "We are proud to welcome a young and vibrant company like Under Armour to our growing list of companies that call Anne Arundel County home.  Kevin Plank is a visionary, homegrown entrepreneur with a track record of accomplishment with Under Armour and a bright future."

Bill Badger, president and CEO of Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation expressed his gratitude to both the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and to Coldwell Banker for their work on the Under Armourâ relocation.  Badger commented, "DBED Secretary Aris Melissaratos and Coldwell Banker broker of record Mike Bender worked hard to provide Under Armour with the best possible location choice, and we are thrilled that Anne Arundel County is that choice."

Founded in 1996, Under Armour is the originator of performance apparel.  The company is the official supplier of performance apparel to Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Hockey League, USA Baseball and the US Ski Team.  Under Armour's gear is worn by players on 30 NFL teams and nearly 100 Division I-A college football programs.  The company has achieved average sales growth of 250 percent per year since its inception, exceeded $50 million in sales in 2002, and is on pace to break $115 million in 2003.  Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, Under Armour employs more than 250 people.  As the originator of the industry, Under Armour remains dedicated to new technology and is determined to enhance the performance of every athlete on every level.

Under Armour manufactures its exclusive fabric domestically and boasts six products lines: HeatGear™, ColdGear™, LooseGear™, AllSeasonGear™, TurfGear™ and Street Gear™, covering all climates and game situations.  Under Armour is available worldwide through its web site, Eastbay catalog, and most major sporting goods stores including: Champs, Dick's Sporting Goods, Gart Sports, Galyan's Trading Company, Hibbett Sports, Modell's and The Sports Authority.