Meritor has launched an aftermarket-based third-party multiple logistics service called Meritor Aftermarket Services, touting a number of unique core logistics competencies including packaging and kitting, material planning, warehousing, distribution, customer support and consulting services. The service was introduced for North America at the Ninth 3PL Summit and Exhibition, and the company says it has intentions to expand globally over the next several years.
“A number of manufacturers are seeking smart, efficient aftermarket 3PL capabilities,” says Craig Cartmill, general manager of Meritor’s worldwide aftermarket operations. “By fully understanding our depth of warehouse, inventory and distribution processes – serving nearly 6,000 customers and shipping over 7,000 lines daily – we’re augmenting that with a fully-implemented lean distribution and supply chain system. This new business is an innovative global system featuring technology-based voice-activated parts-order-picking, launching in October 2011.”
According to Meritor, the advantages offered to prospective customers nclude:
• Highly productive distribution operations driven by “lean processes” and a culture that deliver cost-saving services;
• Advanced demand-forecasting and safety stock techniques that promote customer loyalty and market share through high fill-rates and service levels;
• Capacity to assemble complex kits and deploy highly-automated packaging equipment to ensure worry-free shipments and attractive branding at points-of-purchase;
• Improvement in inventory turnover through methods such as high-velocity picking zones;
• A comprehensive remanufacturing capability supplying a broad portfolio of commercial vehicle components and industrial products; and
• Streamlined access to global customers and suppliers with distribution centers in China, India, Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, as well as the United States and Canada and six remanufacturing centers around the globe.
“Our business system and technology helps our customers reduce costs by maximizing productivity while improving service levels,” Cartmill adds. Paul Nyers and Jason Kraus will lead the global market strategy implementation.
