Batteries Plus Juices Up Heinz Factories Nationwide
Largest U.S. Battery Franchise `Adds Some Flavor’ to Commercial Business Roster

Hartland, WI - April 2009. Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest retail battery franchise with 350 stores serving both retail and business customers, announced today that it has developed a national accounts relationship with the H. J. Heinz Company to power up production at its factories around the country.

Through the relationship, Batteries Plus developed a competitive pricing program for Heinz factories around the country. As a result, Heinz is encouraging its factory managers to purchase their battery products from Batteries Plus stores in their markets to experience significant savings on batteries, cutting their costs anywhere from 30-50 percent.

In addition to cost incentives, Batteries Plus will also assist Heinz factories with the disposal of their batteries for recycling. As a leader in the recycling of Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion batteries, and alkalines Batteries Plus participates in EPA approved methods of recycling in full compliance with all federal, state, EPA, and DOT regulations governing the disposal of rechargeable batteries.

“The arrangement offers mutual value for Heinz and Batteries Plus franchise owners,” said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus. “In an economy where everyone is looking to cut costs and increase revenues, we are offering price incentives that will provide their factories with significant cost savings on batteries, while providing our franchisees with the opportunity to work with one of the most recognized food companies in the world. Both sides win.”

In addition to serving consumers with virtually all of their battery needs at its retail stores, Batteries Plus has also grown to become the largest single source supplier of batteries serving all industries in the United States and Puerto Rico, including manufacturing, communications, government/municipal, transportation, utilities, construction, medical, recreational, and agricultural/mining, among others. Current national business accounts include such prestigious names as Siemens Building Technologies, Sysco Foods, Anheuser-Busch InBev., 3M and Diebold.

“In seeking out battery suppliers, we found Batteries Plus to have the most complete selection of in-stock batteries, and we were impressed with their reputation for prompt delivery on all orders and competitive pricing on all products,” said Chris Stockwell, Vice President of Procurement. “We are encouraging our factories to develop working relationships with their local Batteries Plus store to experience the cost savings, as well as support for their recycling programs.”

Batteries Plus has created the ideal retail, warehouse distribution and technical service center model to fulfill the battery-related needs for virtually any company or public entity. For most large commercial orders, Batteries Plus offers same or next-day delivery for free or minimal delivery charges. There is also a national warranty program between all locations, offering local service with national capabilities.

To ensure quick delivery of product, the Batteries Plus corporate office maintains a captive distribution company providing integrated supply chain and logistics to hundreds of Batteries Plus locations and commercial customers nationwide. The state-of-the-art facility is located near Milwaukee and has 25,000 square feet of warehouse space.

Batteries Plus has been keeping up with the “batteries required” demand since opening its first store in 1988. The franchise system’s growth continues to be driven by consistent demand for battery products and services, including battery powered electronic devices such as mp3 players, laptop computers and digital cameras and camcorders. This demand, coupled with the high level of support and training the organizations provides to franchise owners, as well as national brand recognition, makes Batteries Plus one of the most attractive franchise opportunity offerings in the country.