Whirlpool Corporation, reportedly the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, has given greater importance to its longstanding relationship with Penske Logistics by making the company its lead logistics provider.
Penske Logistics will serve in a consultative role, overseeing and integrating all third-party logistics providers. The company will be responsible for managing supply chain functions, including routing, load tendering, freight payment and engineering, as well as lending support during the procurement process, ensuring provider capabilities, customer service, and supply chain metrics. Expanding upon an existing contract for inbound and outbound services, the company will assume additional management and operational control over Whirlpool's private fleet and three regional distribution centers in Kent, Wash., Flower Mound, Texas, and Gouldsboro, Pa.
"Penske Logistics is playing a key role in the integration of Whirlpool and Maytag's distribution network," says Brian Hancock, vice president-supply chain, Whirlpool North America.
In an unrelated matter, Eaton Corporation, named Penske its LLP for the company's North American-based automotive and truck business segments. The inbound supply chain for these segments encompasses the material flow of thousands of component products from more than 300 suppliers.
Inbound improvements are under way, including moving to a pull system, driven by Eaton's production schedules, versus the system currently in place today. Penske Logistics also has a dedicated logistics center and management team focused on North American transportation management and network design for Eaton.
Eaton Corporation is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety.
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