Episode 506: Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with Element Logic
The New Warehouse Podcast episode features Christian Rognes, the Chief Product Officer at Element Logic. Element Logic is the first and largest AutoStore partner, specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). In this episode, we delve into the evolution of ASRS, Element Logic’s journey, and its innovative approach to warehouse automation. The Evolution of ASRS Systems Element Logic has pioneered the ASRS market, and Christian Rognes shares insights into the journey from manual to automated systems. He emphasizes, “The first battle that we had to fight was between manual and automation.” Over the years, ASRS technology has rapidly evolved, driven by the need for efficiency and precision in e-commerce. Christian highlights that Europe has been a front-runner in adopting these systems, noting, “We have approximately 30 to 40 percent of the install base worldwide.” While most of Element Logic’s install base resides in Europe, Christian sees huge growth potential in the U.S. Differentiating in a Crowded Market Christian explains that with many companies offering similar technologies, Element Logic stands out by focusing on user-centric solutions. “It’s really about finding what’s unique with Element Logic and how we can play on those competitive assets.” By integrating AutoStore with other technologies and optimizing its software, Element Logic ensures seamless warehouse operations. The holistic approach to warehouse management is crucial, especially in complex markets like the U.S., where customized solutions are necessary to meet diverse needs. Enhancing the Warehouse User Experience A major focus for Element Logic is improving the user experience in warehouses. Christian discusses the importance of understanding the needs of warehouse workers, saying, “We really have to flip this around and talk to the users.” By developing products that address the specific pain points of warehouse operations, Element Logic aims to enhance productivity and worker satisfaction. This user-centric approach improves efficiency and contributes to better working conditions, which is a significant aspect of their mission. Key Takeaways on Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Element Logic holds 30-40% of the global AutoStore install base. The shift from manual to automated systems is crucial for modern warehousing. Differentiation through user-centric solutions is key in a competitive market. Improving user experience in warehouses enhances productivity and worker satisfaction. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 506: Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with Element Logic
Flux Power appoints Mark Leposky to Board of Directors
30-Year Global Supply Chain Executive at Fortune 500 Consumer Brands to Advance Company’s New Strategic Growth Initiatives Flux Power Holdings, Inc. has announced the appointment of Mark Leposky, a senior-level executive and entrepreneur, to its Board of Directors as an independent director, effective April 18, 2024. Leposky will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee. Mark Leposky has over 30 years of experience leading, transforming, growing, and turning around consumer product and service companies. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp., an unrivaled tech-enabled golf company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel and entertainment, with a portfolio of global brands. He is responsible for sourcing, manufacturing, golf ball R&D, engineering, quality, program management, planning, purchasing, transportation, and logistics, the Ogio global brand, and the Wolfskin global brand. Before his work at Topgolf Callaway Brands, he served as the President & CEO of Gathering Storm, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Fisher Scientific, and Chief Operating Officer at TaylorMade Golf, among other roles at The Coca-Cola Company and United Parcel Service. Mr. Leposky also served in the U.S. Army for 16 years with roles including Infantry Officer, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Company Commander, Battalion and Brigade Logistics Officer. He retired from the Army with the rank of Major and received many awards and commendations including the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award and The Illinois Medal of Merit. Mr. Leposky holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. “Mark brings deep and valuable business and product strategy experience with a strong track record of driving high growth revenue and profitability, and we welcome him to the Board,” said Ron Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Flux Power. “He is a highly respected, purpose-driven leader who has a proven history of success throughout his career in a diverse set of industries as well as the U.S. military. His expertise in product development, engineering, program management, supply chain planning, manufacturing, procurement, transportation, logistics and sales operations will be invaluable in reaching sustained cash flow breakeven and continuing our upward margin trajectory, as well as the enhancement of long-term shareholder value.” Leposky added, “This is an exciting time to join Flux Power as it moves into 2024 with strategic growth initiatives, a strong group of sustaining Fortune 100 customers, and high potential new customer opportunities for its advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions. I look forward to providing my experience in strategic supply chain and profitability improvement initiatives in the months and years to come.” The Company also announced that at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders in 2024, Cheemin Bo-Linn will retire from the Board. After the 2024 Annual Meeting, Flux Power’s Board will consist of 5 members.
New Age Industrial promotes Scott Schrum to Assistant National Sales Manager
New Age Industrial has announced the promotion of Scott Schrum to Assistant National Sales Manager of the Material Handling Division. Scott is a driven business leader with over 30 years of success driving growth through effective sales and management strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a minor in Economics obtained from the University of Kansas. “With his deep commitment to customer focus, workplace safety, and efficiency, Scott truly embodies the core values of New Age Industrial,” said Tom Sharp, Vice President at New Age Industrial. “His ability to build strong, meaningful relationships will be crucial as we continue to expand our national presence. We’re thrilled to have him on the leadership team; his expertise in supply chain optimization and problem-solving skills will drive improvements throughout our operations and benefit our customers as well.” In his new position, Scott will collaborate with the New Age Industrial Sales and Marketing Teams, along with the manufacturer’s representatives, to secure existing business and generate new opportunities. Additionally, he will represent the company at key national trade shows alongside the Material Handling Team. Scott is eager to share his expertise in custom aluminum solutions and collaborate with manufacturers’ representatives, dealers, and consultants to optimize operations for their customers. Scott shared, “We have a unique opportunity to empower businesses by improving efficiency, safety, and overall operations through customized solutions.” Vice President, Tom Sharp said, “We congratulate Scott Schrum on his recent promotion to Assistant National Sales Manager. He will be instrumental in driving continued growth and success. We are confident that he will make significant contributions to the company and look forward to the future with him on board.”
UNEX showcases space-saving solutions at ProMat 2023
UNEX Manufacturing, Inc. will be showcasing its dynamic solutions for manufacturing, fulfillment, retail, and logistics in Booth #S3527 at ProMat, March 20 – 23, 2023 in Chicago, IL. “Every area of the supply chain has experienced a wave of disruptions over the past 3 years,” said Brian C. Neuwirth, President, UNEX Manufacturing. “Now more than ever, companies need the right equipment and solutions in place to remain agile and sustain growth despite supply chain disruptions.” Fortunately, there are solutions that can help mitigate the impacts of the top challenges supply chain professionals in manufacturing, fulfillment, retail, and logistics face today. UNEX has helped numerous businesses large and small save money in maintenance and operational costs while saving space. Companies like HelloFresh, Cutter & Buck, Daimler, and more trust UNEX solutions to save space, time, and money to create resilient supply chains now and in the future. In Booth #S3527, UNEX Manufacturing will be showing visitors how companies can transform their supply chains through demos of their dynamic storage, picking, packing, and assembly solutions. UNEX will demo its industry-leading SpeedCell dynamic storage system and its mobile picking cart companion SpeedCartt, along with carton flow, pallet flow, and modular flow rack solutions. What to Expect from UNEX at ProMat 2023 SpeedCell High-Density Storage System SpeedCell is a dynamic high-density storage solution that maximizes space utilization within existing racks, helping warehouse, fulfillment, and retail backroom operations improve pick speed and accuracy for valuable time and cost savings. Key benefits include, but are not limited to: Increase storage density by 40-60% Reduce labor costs by up to 40% Transform space into useable storage Add more SKUs in less space Create a highly efficient and accurate pick Visitors to booth S3527 will also discover SpeedCartt; an agile and space-efficient mobile picking cart that speeds up order fulfillment. SpeedCartt features 4 different cart sizes, 8 different column sizes, and 16 different cart combinations to ensure increased order accuracy and reduced travel times. Carton Flow and Pallet Flow Solutions UNEX will also showcase an industry-leading carton flow solution SpanTrack, alongside other gravity flow solutions for pallets and kegs. Whether you’re storing and picking cases, eaches, kegs, or pallets, UNEX has a solution to meet your needs. These space-efficient systems maximize SKU storage and improve productivity across every area of the supply chain. Discover these dynamic storage and order-picking solutions in booth S3527 at ProMat 2023: SpanTrack carton flow systems Pallet Track pallet flow systems Keg Flow keg storage and picking systems Modular Flow Racks See a number of different FlowCell flow rack configurations in booth S3527. UNEX will demo a FlowCell modular workstation, a pick tray cart, and more. FlowCell is a very versatile solution that is ideal for companies across industries. From industrial workstations to order fulfillment packing stations and more, FlowCell increases space utilization and boosts productivity for a variety across your supply chain. Key FlowCell benefits include: Increase space utilization by up to 50% Boost production efficiency by up to 30% Minimize reaching and improve ergonomics by reducing injury and fatigue Create reconfigurable, flexible storage to accommodate line and process changes Ensure FIFO inventory rotation Keep the factory floor organized — totes and boxes can be stored in return lanes rather than on the floor Connect with UNEX at ProMat 2023 Discover a whole universe of supply chain transformation solutions with UNEX in booth S3527 at ProMat 2023! Our knowledgeable staff of experts will learn more about your current challenges to tailor solutions to meet your unique needs.
ORBIS® receives a readers’ choice award
Material Handling Product News (MHPN) has named ORBIS® Corporation — an international provider in reusable packaging — a 2022 Readers’ Choice Product of the Year award winner for its StakPak Plus™ in the Containers, Totes & Bins category. This award honors the achievements of companies for advancements in material handling systems and equipment within manufacturing, distribution centers, and warehouses. “We are honored to be recognized by Material Handling Product News and its readers,” said Breanna Herbert, product manager and sustainability lead at ORBIS. “For more than 20 years, the StakPak container has helped automotive and industrial companies protect parts and optimize line-side assembly operations. Thank you to MHPN and its readers for recognizing the new StakPak Plus collar system and the unique benefits it can bring to supply chains by increasing container capacity.” The StakPak Plus takes all the best attributes of the traditional StakPak container, including reusability and cost savings, and combines them with customized heights to increase container capacity, providing transportation efficiencies, cost savings, sustainable advantages, and more. A customizable solution, the StakPak Plus system combines traditional totes with various collar sizes to increase a container’s height to accommodate the unique-shaped parts commonly found in the automotive supply chain. Available in popular 32” x 15” and 24” x 15” footprints, StakPak Plus totes feature a permanent collar that adds height and internal volume, allowing for more parts to be transported per container. All StakPak Plus totes are fully compatible with existing totes in the industry and offer maximum durability with a vertical corner rib structure. What’s more, the StakPak Plus is a lightweight solution that provides easy manual handling and can be combined with ORBIShield® foam, fabric, and rigid dunnage to provide better pack density and part presentation. In implementing this solution, companies can reduce the environmental waste associated with single-use corrugated boxes, and, at the end of its long service life, the StakPak Plus collar is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed right back into supply chain packaging.
TA Services named winner of Food Logistics’ 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award
TA Services, a premier full-service logistics provider, announces that it has been named one of the winners of Food Logistics‘ 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers award. The award recognizes leading third-party logistics and cold storage providers in the cold food and beverage industry. Food Logistics is the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of products through the global cold food supply chain. “We are thrilled to be recognized as a top 3PL in the temperature-controlled space,” said Scott Schell, President and CEO, of TA Services. “We continue to expand not only the amount of services we offer but the quality of those services across North America. We are dedicated to providing the best support to our customers, and I’m thankful for a great team at TA Services that put customer service first.” For over 36 years, TA Services has been in the business of building meaningful and lasting relationships by valuing customer insight and providing solutions tailored to specific needs. Over the last 12 months, TA Services has acquired Houston, AL-based C2 Freight Resources, and Toronto, Canada-based Scout Logistics. These acquisitions have helped TA Services expand its cold-chain logistics and high-end brokerage specialization offerings for current and future customers. As a leading 3PL partner for temperature-sensitive freight, TA Services helps keep food on the table for consumers across the United States. “These past 18 months have been so challenging for U.S. supply chains. It’s the continuous bottlenecks that require fleets to re-tool and pivot accordingly. But, it’s the drivers, the fleet, the warehouses, and software/technologies that really keep today’s supply chains in line,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “These 3PLs and cold storage providers have collaborated on all facets of their operations to achieve full visibility, complete forecasting, end-to-end leverage, and the ultimate in sustainability. Now is the time to honor and celebrate those companies making magic happen behind the frontlines.” Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ July/Aug 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. Go to https://www.foodlogistics.com/awards to learn more about other Food Logistics’ awards.
Conesco Storage Systems, Inc.
Storage Solutions announces the acquisition of SNC Solutions
The Storage Solutions Inc. (SSI) Board of Directors has officially approved the acquisition of California-based SNC Solutions (SNC). The purchase will give Storage Solutions additional resources and capabilities to grow its business along the West Coast, given SNC’s expertise in the market and special requirements in that region. SNC Solutions was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The company specializes in designing and implementing systems that facilitate the highest levels of efficiency for warehouse operations. With a focus on improving these capabilities and efficiencies, SNC delivers solutions that maximize operations’ effectiveness and overall performance by enhancing flow, ergonomics, throughput, and quality. “We are excited to continue to grow, expand, and improve our capabilities for our clients throughout North America,” explained Nathan Storey, President of Storage Solutions. “Culturally, the team at SNC is a great fit for Storage Solutions because they have the same dedication to supplying clients with a true turnkey experience and creating innovative solutions for storage and fulfillment.” As dynamics along the supply chain continue to change rapidly, the need for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers to adapt how they store and fulfill orders continues to grow. As more companies are maximizing their storage and fulfillment efforts, adding SNC to Storage Solutions will give the company a deeper understanding of customers’ complexities, particularly in the Pacific region. “This strategic acquisition will allow Storage Solutions to expand our geographic presence and service capabilities and give us more dynamic capabilities to drive efficiencies for our team and our clients,” said Eric McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Storage Solutions. “I am excited to have Tim Schrader, Drake Kelley, and the rest of SNC as part of Storage Solutions’ growing team.” “The SNC team is very excited to join Storage Solutions! From my initial introduction through the completion of the merger, SSI and its ownership partners have proven to be a natural fit for talent, future goals, and most importantly, culture. I am beyond proud of the SNC name and the company that we have built. I am equally proud to adopt the SSI name as the platform to build the next phase of our mutual success on. This endeavor only adds to the existing capabilities, reach, and improved customer experience that we strive for every day,” explained Tim Schrader, Senior Vice President at Storage Solutions. “Apart, both companies are successful in their own right. Together we are truly great.”
Storage Solutions announces partnership with Vecna Robotics to integrate autonomous vehicles into warehouses, fulfillment centers
Storage Solutions just announced forming a new partnership with Vecna Robotics, which will feature Storage Solutions as a certified integrator of Vecna’s automation and technology solution set. Vecna Robotics supports distribution, warehousing, and manufacturing organizations with material handling and logistics solutions with a line of self-driving pallet trucks, tow tractors, and counterbalanced lift trucks. This technology is designed to increase fulfillment capacity and speed while improving safety for workers and equipment within a facility. “Our unique solution set offers the payload capacity of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with the intelligence, safety, and obstacle avoidance of AMRs,” explained Van Garrett, Director of Channel Sales at Vecna Robotics. “We consider our technology to be best-in-class, and it delivers on our mission to maximize human productivity by delivering superior automation and orchestration technology.” Vecna Robotics Solution Set Automated Counterbalanced Fork Truck This solution is designed to move a wide array of pallet types, delivering goods to conveyor belts, wrappers, and carts. Autonomous Tugger The Vecna Autonomous Tugger delivers heavy payloads across long distances within a facility. Autonomous Pallet Truck This solution eliminates long manual pick hauls and assists with put-away efficiency for lift operators. Technology With autonomy stack™, beacon™, an intuitive UI, and dynamic envelope protection, Vecna can ensure products can deliver maximum throughput with minimal downtime. Automation solutions are replacing traditional systems as companies continue to adjust to labor availability challenges, operational cost increases, and in response to less expensive and quicker delivery demands from consumers. This partnership will allow Storage Solutions to assist warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers in utilizing this technology to meet those challenges and continue to grow their business. “We are excited about this new partnership with Vecna Robotics because they are uniquely positioned to harness the flexibility and adaptability of autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) technology with the capacity and automation capabilities of AGVs,” said Eric McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Storage Solutions. “There has been a lot of disruption and turmoil over the last few years, and we’re confident that there are a variety of industries that will benefit from future-proofing their operations.” This partnership is announced days ahead of MODEX 2022, a highly attended supply chain conference hosted by Material Handling Industry (MHI), the nation’s most significant material handling, logistics, and supply chain association. If you want to see Vecna Robotics’ automation solutions or are thinking about integrating automation options into your operations, contact a Storage Solutions expert and plan a time to meet at the convention.
Storage Solutions announces expanded solutions set through new partnership with HAI Robotics
Storage Solutions Inc. announces a new partnership with HAI Robotics, a next-gen warehouse automation solutions company specializing in autonomous each picking robotics. This solution provides automatic storage and retrieval of totes or cartons to create a goods-to-person picking and replenishment workflow while also providing storage capabilities up to 27’ high to maximize storage density. The partnership will allow Storage Solutions to integrate technology developed by HAI Robotics into warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers across North America. As dynamics around labor are increasingly challenging the operations along the supply chain, a growing share of US-based fulfillment centers are investigating technology designed to increase fulfillment throughput while lowering operational costs. The technology supplied by HAI Robotics provides flexible and efficient solutions that can be applied to manufacturing, third-party logistics, e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries. “We see tremendous upside potential for a large number of our current clients to integrate HAI Robotics’ award-winning technology into their operations,” explained Eric McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Storage Solutions. “Storage Solutions believes that walking is the most detrimental activity in a warehouse. HAI Robotics solutions eliminate associates walking for replenishment and picking. Clients will be able to solve their labor and throughput challenges. HAI solutions are able to achieve rates 5x – 10x more than relying on associates walking through a warehouse. ” Founded in 2016, HAI Robotics has launched over 300 projects worldwide and employs over 1,300 workers. With a vision to “create value for every warehouse and factory,” the company offers a full range of services and support, including design, integration, manufacturing, installation, training, and customer service. “Through our combination of technologies, we can create an operation focused on accuracy, density, speed, and flexibility that can be catered to virtually any scenario and drive profitability through increased fulfillment potential,” explained Brian Reinhart, HAI Robotics Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Working with a trusted organization like Storage Solutions helps us integrate these solutions to companies who know they need to turn to automation but may not know where to begin.” This partnership is announced days ahead of MODEX 2022, a highly attended supply chain conference hosted by Material Handling Industry (MHI), the nation’s most significant material handling, logistics, and supply chain association. If you want to see HAI’s automation solutions or are thinking about integrating automation options into your operations, contact a Storage Options expert and plan a time to meet at the convention.
Daifuku North America, Storage Solutions form Integration Partnership for Automation Solutions
Storage Solutions Inc. announces forming a partnership with Daifuku North America in which Storage Solutions has become an official integrator of Daifuku’s full suite of automation solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers in North America. Daifuku has been a provider in automation solutions for the material handling industry for decades, starting in 1937 in Japan before establishing Daifuku U.S.A. Inc. in Chicago in 1983. Daifuku is currently the largest automation supplier globally. Their full suite of solutions includes storage, conveyor, automation, software, robotics, and more solutions that can be applied to a wide range of industries. As more companies along the supply chain face rising costs, increased fulfillment expectations, and challenges around labor availability, the demand for automation solutions is growing. This partnership will allow Storage Solutions to feature an expanded solution set to integrate technology designed to alleviate these challenges. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Daifuku Wynright to provide automation solutions to businesses in North America,” explained Eric McDonald, Chief Customer Officer with Storage Solutions. “The partnership provides Storage Solutions many options to allow us to pursue our goal of assisting our customers in eliminating the most detrimental activity in a distribution center – people walking or riding around on lift equipment. We can bring our industry knowledge and experience with Daifuku’s world-class technology and solution set to a whole new level of warehouses and distribution centers.” Founded in 1978 as a distributor of warehouse equipment, Storage Solutions has evolved to address any challenges in operations for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers. From design to installation to integration and support, SSI’s team of operational experts takes a data-based approach to solving fulfillment challenges. “We look forward to working with Storage Solutions in integrating our solutions into fulfillment centers across the nation,” said Troy Carter, Vice President of Integrator Sales at Daifuku Wynright. “The company has built a wide range of clients in the United States because of their thorough approach to solving challenges creatively, and we are confident in our solution set’s ability to make a positive impact in operations for these companies.”
Kevin Rowles to transition to CEO Role, Nathan Storey appointed Storage Solutions President
Storage Solutions Inc. (SSI) announces that current President/CEO Kevin Rowles will transition to focus solely on his role as CEO as the company appointed Nathan Storey as its new acting President. Rowles has been with Storage Solutions for 25 years and has served as President since 1995. He assumed the CEO role from Founder Craig McElheny in November 2020 when the company began partnering with private equity firms Merit Capital Group and MFG Partners. His transition to solely focus on the CEO role will allow him more time to form partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and long-term strategies. “We are fortunate to have someone of Nathan’s caliber to promote from within our organization to become our new President. Over his 15-year tenure with Storage Solutions, he has challenged himself to learn, understand, and in many cases enhance many of the tools and processes that we use today,” explained Rowles. “His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership acumen will allow us to advance our strategic goals of progressive growth and sustained achievement. For many reasons, I am excited and proud of this announcement.” “For me, this is an inspiring time to be a part of the Storage Solutions family,” explained McElheny. “I am proud of how far this company has come since we were selling storage lockers back in 1978. Now, we are one of our industry leaders because of the team we’ve built, the processes we’ve put in place, and the dedication and trust we all have with each other.” Storey has been with Storage Solutions since 2006, serving as an Account Manager, Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Vice President of Operations. In February 2021, Storey was promoted to Chief Operations Officer, where he oversaw the company’s overall operations, including the company’s growing logistics, purchasing, and installation divisions, and is also the point person behind the company’s internal sales operations and technology. “I am humbled to accept this role after the company has achieved five consecutive record-breaking years of growth,” said Storey. “We have an amazing culture, a foundation of success, and we will continue to look forward to the future with a growth mindset. We have much work to do, but I am confident we have the team in place to accomplish our goals.” Founded in 1978 as Penco Products of Indiana, Storage Solutions has grown to be a leader in integrating material handling and automation solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers. Since being named President of SSI in 1995, Rowles has overseen the company’s headquarters relocations to Westfield in 1998 and again in 2008, the opening of its Kansas City office in 2002, its transition to becoming an ESOP in 2013, and its acquisition in 2020. Along the way, the SSI has also launched a used equipment purchasing, installation, national sales accounts, logistics, solutions development, and project management divisions. “We have an amazing leadership team in place, and we will continue to grow based on sound, strong decision-making,” explained Storey. “I look forward to working with Kevin in his new capacity and am thrilled that our team has such a bright future ahead of us.”
Orbis named a 2020 Supplier of the Year by GM
Company earns award for commitment to long-term sustainability goals ORBIS® Corporation, an international provider of reusable packaging, has been named a winner in General Motors’ 29th annual Supplier of the Year awards. GM has recognized 122 of its best suppliers from 16 countries for performance in the 2020 calendar year. The annual awards highlight global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing GM customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This is the first year ORBIS has received this award. ORBIS supplies GM with a wide range of reusable packaging, including totes, bulk containers, custom dunnage, and steel racks, for use along the supply chain. By design, these packaging systems are more sustainable, as they are used over and over during the course of their service life before being recovered, reprocessed, and recycled into new products. “Throughout a challenging year, our suppliers have shown resilience and dedication in working toward our shared goal of long-term sustainability for our planet and the communities we serve while meeting our present needs,” said Shilpan Amin, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “We are pleased with what we’ve accomplished together in the past year and we are excited by the opportunity that lies ahead.” A global team of GM purchasing, engineering, quality, manufacturing, and logistics leaders selected the 2020 Supplier of the Year winners. The team chose winners based on performance criteria in product purchasing, global purchasing, and manufacturing services, customer care and aftersales, and logistics. “We’re proud of our longtime partnership with GM to build a more sustainable automotive supply chain and future,” said Sheila DeGrazia, Strategic Account Manager at ORBIS Corporation. “This award illustrates our commitment to helping our customers measure and reduces their overall environmental impact, and we look forward to continuing to provide GM with the sustainable reusable packaging solutions to meet their evolving needs.”