Menlo Logistics Achieves Lean GOLD Certification

SAN FRANSISCO and AMSTERDAM, May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Menlo Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics and supply chain management unit of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) has achieved a Lean GOLD certification at its Maastricht (Neth.) facility for its logistics operation on behalf of medical device manufacturer, Physio Control.

The Lean Certification program acknowledges attainment of set, globally recognized standards for lean principles and practices. It provides companies with a benchmark for achievements and a common roadmap for continuous improvement and workforce development. GOLD certification validates the process of continuous improvement as it is applied throughout an operation and includes education and training in all aspects of Lean transformation across the entire enterprise.

In announcing the accolade, Paul Rasmusson, Physio Control's Director, International Operations & Service, EMEA & APAC commented, "I'm happy to share the news that Menlo, our third-party logistics provider for EMEA, has achieved a Lean GOLD certification for the operation in Maastricht. For Physio-Control, the certification proves that our logistics for EMEA is managed efficiently and with a high focus on continuous improvement. This can be seen clearly through the service levels provided and the cost moving down over time since the start in 2012. The certification means that the Menlo operation in Maastricht is managed through lean principles at the highest level of maturity."

Among other criteria the GOLD level assessment includes; standardization of processes; devotion to continuous improvement manifested through a number of Kaizen events and tangible savings; quality assurance through root cause analysis and problem elimination and work organization according to the 5S principles of Lean*.

The Lean Auditor commented on the Maastricht team, "This group is family, as each have shared their learning while continuing to apply the Lean techniques in making the site a true leader in Lean deployment."

In acknowledging his Maastricht team's achievement, Tony Gunn, Menlo's Managing Director in Europe, commented, "A number of third-party logistics providers talk about continuous improvement. At Menlo, we live it. Lean keeps us laser-focused on continuous improvement initiatives delivering value add and increased efficiency throughout our customers' supply chains, creating savings that keep accruing month after month. This is the first GOLD certification attained by a Menlo site in Europe, joining four others within Menlo's global operation. I look forward to announcing more such achievements in the future."

The leadership of Menlo's Maarten Beijerinck (Site Manager) and Samantha Savelberg (Lean Coordinator) and the hard work of the entire warehouse team at Maastricht are acknowledged, as are the accomplishments of Physio Control's Mark Roeling and his team, who have been deeply involved  in the partnership to establish the necessary foundation for the certification.

Physio Control's Rasmussen concludes, "The Menlo operation in Maastricht is a good example of what the application of Business Excellence principles including Lean can bring in terms of efficiencies, consistency and cost savings to an operation. Physio-Control is still early in its journey, but the consistent application of the principles and its incorporation into our culture will over time lead to similar results as those achieved by our partnership with Menlo".

* 5S Principles - Sort, Set in order, Sanitize, Standardize and Sustain – the basic mantra for those adopting the Lean philosophy

About Menlo Logistics Europe

In Europe, Menlo Logistics maintains seventeen dedicated and multi-client logistics centres located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. This warehouse network can serve as pan-European distribution solution using one or several facilities.

Supply chain and transport management solutions as well as 3PL, warehousing and distribution services are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: lifestyle, fashion & apparel; healthcare and medtech; e-fulfillment and e-returns; manufacturing support; data center logistics; spare parts and aftermarket supply and high tech. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands. www.menlologistics.com/europe

Follow Menlo on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MenloLogistics

About Menlo Logistics

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.7 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Francisco, California-based Menlo Logistics' services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfilment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities.

With nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.8 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140922/147592

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/menlo-logistics-achieves-lean-gold-certification-300077807.html

SOURCE Menlo Logistics