Amsterdam 14th April, 2014
Menlo Worldwide Logistics this month marked its 7th year as ArjoHuntleigh’s global logistics and distribution partner. The two companies provide an interesting case study that demonstrates the value of a business relationship built on trust and a common vision which at its core emphasizes a continuous improvement ethic that extends deeply into both organizations.
A leader in the manufacture of medical equipment for people with reduced mobility, ArjoHuntleigh focuses on developing mutually beneficial supplier relationships. Menlo, the global logistics and supply chain management unit of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) has built its customer solutions on a formalized process and proven tools for driving Lean continuous improvement throughout its service portfolio – and into its customer’s supply chain operations. The match has been undeniably successful.
In providing for the care of people who require assistance with mobility ArjoHuntleigh focuses on preventing the preventable and assisting their customers in an increased efficiency. As such it constantly strives to do the same with its own processes and supply chain.
After a recent period of acquiring companies across the world that manufacture complimentary equipment, ArjoHuntleigh has concentrated on building one corporate structure and one supply chain, while always promoting the elimination of waste and increased efficiency. “Our supply chain strategy is now concentrated on four major aspects,” explains, Christian Lambrant, the company’s Global Logistics Director, “Optimizing our plant footprint, finding the right suppliers, reducing working capital and using Lean techniques to eliminate waste. In Menlo we found a logistics service supplier whose values are consistent with our own; whose business philosophy matches ours and whose willingness to develop its global capabilities are in-line with our own growth strategy.”
Menlo, which offers warehousing and transportation management services as well as integrated 3PL and 4PL logistics solutions, has as its core philosophy a value-driven supply chain transformation concept. The company employs Lean methodologies to achieve a culture of continuous improvement which unites manufacturer and supplier in a mutual optimization exercise. This method empowers employees of both parties to make beneficial changes to the supply chain process.
Tony Gunn is Menlo’s Managing Director, Europe. He notes, “Many 3PL/shipper engagements are tactical rather than strategic. Often shippers, in the main driven by their procurement functions focusing on cost reduction, make short-term choices based on volatile market demands. In the process they lose sight of greater efficiencies that can transpire from a longer-term partnership with a logistics supplier.”
Menlo and ArjoHuntleigh share a mutual drive to improve supply chain processes as the parameters of change in market forces and the economic environment constantly fluctuate. Long-term relationships made up of such like-minded organizations as these are proven to be the most successfull in adapting to on-going, challenging business circumstances.
ENDS
About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe
In Europe, Menlo Worldwide Logistics maintains seventeen dedicated and multi-client logistics centres located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. This warehouse network can serve as pan-European distribution solution using one or several facilities.
Supply chain and transport management solutions as well as 3PL, warehousing and distribution services are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive; defense and government services and retail e-fulfillment. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands.
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About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.7 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Francisco, California-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities.
With nearly 20million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.7 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.