Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated Announces C-TPAT Certification

Source from:  RICHMOND, Va. PRNewswire 06/02/2004

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated ("Universal Leaf") announced today that it has obtained full certified status as a member of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. C-TPAT membership verifies that Universal Leaf has implemented appropriate supply chain security measures throughout its global network. C-TPAT is a joint initiative between the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and business designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security while improving the flow of trade. The goal of C-TPAT is to enhance anti-terrorism efforts by strengthening security measures not only at the border, but throughout the entire supply chain. C-TPAT members become the front lines of the nation's anti-terrorism efforts with respect to international trade. As a C-TPAT member, Universal Leaf will enjoy more efficient U.S. Customs clearance processes through expedited handling and processing and fewer inspections of its goods by U.S. Customs. C-TPAT members are also provided a dedicated U.S. Customs liaison to ensure a greater level of accountability and smoother processes. To qualify for C-TPAT membership, Universal Leaf had to demonstrate to U.S. Customs strong security practices and programs for its global operations in various areas. Those areas included facilities security, theft prevention, shipping and receiving controls, information security controls, internal controls, personnel security practices, security awareness training, and similar security measures with respect to Universal Leaf's service providers. Allen B. King, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Leaf, said that C-TPAT membership further demonstrates the Company's ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and its supply chain integrity. "We are proud that our security procedures and policies passed the rigorous review of U.S. Customs. Our acceptance into the C-TPAT program highlights our efforts to make our supply chains safe, secure and efficient for our customers, and we are happy to assume a role in our country's national security measures." Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Incorporated is a subsidiary of Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV - News), a diversified company with operations in tobacco, lumber, and agri-products. Universal Corporation's gross revenues for the nine- month transition year that ended on March 31, 2004, were approximately $2.3 billion. For more information on Universal Corporation, visit its web site at http://www.universalcorp.com. Enditem