One of the world's largest brewers asked Jacobson to provide a solution for their logistics needs. Jacobson was challenged to assume the transportation services previously performed by the brewing company; take on the operation of the Distribution Center (which was currently being run by another 3PL provider); and take charge of a reverse logistics facility. The transportation portion of the challenge involved moving raw and finished goods throughout all operations in the complex, of which the average daily demand is in excess of 300 moves. The Distribution Center is a semi-automated facility that acts as a distribution center and overflow facility that supports any variations in production. Average weekly volume of trailers varies between 1000 and 1700, depending on demand.

Working directly with the brewing company's staff was important to ensure that both companies collaborated and shared resources. Jacobson and the company's management held daily operational meetings to discuss metrics and process improvement, and a project team developed a plan to provide service while ensuring a seamless transition. This was of utmost importance, as the brewery was dependent upon the operations that Jacobson was to assume. Jacobson placed key personnel onsite with brewery employees in order to develop a course of action and begin the staffing process. The management group, which was formed three months prior to the transition, acquired the knowledge and training needed to execute the changeover. The transportation operation was transitioned over a two-month period, during which time 75 drivers needed to be hired and trained; the Distribution Center needed to be transitioned over just one weekend. To make this happen, Jacobson hired key personnel from the existing 3PL provider as well as outside employees.

Jacobson currently employs approximately 200 associates at the DC. We were able to overcome a 100-truckload backlog, bringing the operation current on their outbound performance within two weeks of the transition. The brewing company's manufacturing operations experienced no adverse impacts or interruptions during the transition.

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