March 31, 2004
By: Bruce Kozak
Website: http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com
Exel Direct Establishes National Network for Product Delivery and Installation of Maytag Appliances
Exel, a global leader in supply chain
management, today announced that Exel Direct, its big-ticket product fulfillment
business unit, will provide direct nationwide delivery and installation of Maytag
appliances from its network of 32 crossdocks located in major U.S. markets.
Maytag Corp. and Exel recently signed a multi-year contract that will cover Maytag
appliance deliveries across the country.
Exel Direct launched its nationwide supply chain initiative with Maytag in December
2000 with two Exel-owned and operated primary distribution hubs, as well as
operating out of three Maytag regional distribution centers. Another 27 distribution
facilities opened in the first half of 2001.
Exel Direct expects to deliver several million appliances through its network in 2002
for Maytag.
With more national retailers requiring manufacturers to provide their own orderfulfillment
solutions for customers, Maytag saw the need to develop a more flexible
and efficient distribution system.
Exel’s unique national network of primary and secondary cross-dock locations and
the quality of its final delivery process are strategic value-added extensions of
Maytag’s Retail, Builder and Home Delivery service, said John Nolan, vice president
of enterprise logistics at Maytag. The Exel Alliance also extends Maytag’s quality
and service control over the entire reverse logistics process.
Maytag now has the logistics horsepower to adjust to changing market conditions
and create new selling channels with retailers, builders and other customers
through a single distribution network that provides consistent service on a
nationwide basis, said Dave Sims, senior director of business development for Exel
Direct.
Exel Direct delivery associates sort, inspect and load the merchandise on lift-gated
trucks. The network delivery service covers all Maytag appliances — washers,
dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, wall ovens, and more — and includes
installation, gas and electrical hook-up, and removal of used appliances by Exel
Direct delivery associates.
Gary Martin, Maytag’s director of logistics, indicated that the Exel cross-dock
network is a significant change in direction for Maytag Logistics that adds a number
of new capabilities.
It will become the foundation for a do anything delivery network, Martin said.
The flexible network will provide reliable and consistent execution of any delivery
requirement that may be out there now or in the future.
Maury Mussa, vice president of operations for the Exel Direct network, added,
Maytag and Exel Direct have entered into a unique partnership. One that has the
opportunity to give Maytag a distinctive competitive advantage in the appliance
industry.
By partnering with Exel Direct, Maytag gained a full-scale direct delivery network
capable of providing uniform distribution and delivery across the United States,said Dan Avramovich, Exel Direct president.
The partnership with Maytag showcases how Exel can facilitate major changes in a
customer’s distribution network, Avramovich continued. The entire change
process, from design to implementation was completed within nine months without
negatively impacting Maytag’s delivery requirements.
Customers buy from Maytag
for dependability and innovation. Our role as a service provider is to continue that
reputation. Similar to Intel, you can think of us as the ‘Exel Inside’ of Maytag’s
distribution system.
About
The Author:
Bruce Kozak is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com.
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