Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc., announced that it has expanded its relationship with Salem, Ore.-based Kettle Foods to include management of a new 105,000-square-foot dedicated warehouse in Beloit, Wis. Menlo previously provided warehouse management for the premium natural snack foods company at a multiclient facility in Illinois. The new warehouse operation – 50 percent larger than the previous one – opened in early August near the company’s Beloit manufacturing plant. It is Menlo’s first logistics operation in the state of Wisconsin.
Menlo is providing the staff, systems and equipment for the new facility, where activities include receiving, storage, inventory management and outbound distribution. The food grade warehouse is operating under the Lean philosophy of waste elimination and continuous improvement followed at Menlo facilities worldwide. Food grade certification requires meeting American Institute of Baking rigorous standards for protection of the safety of the food supply chain.
“We began our relationship with Kettle Foods last year at our multiclient operation in Aurora, Ill., and that solution – with its flexibility and scalability to expand and contract with a customer’s business – was an excellent fit for them initially,” says Gary Kowalski, chief operating officer of San Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics. “Due to Kettle Foods’ rapid growth and success in the marketplace, a larger, dedicated facility became necessary, and locating it near the company’s manufacturing facility allowed them to realize savings in fuel costs. We’re now leveraging our years of expertise to serve their unique business needs at the Wisconsin warehouse.”
