Stemilt Expands Usage of the CHEP Pallet Pool
Grower/shipper sees savings from reduced product damage and pallet administration
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - January 12, 2007 - Stemilt, a leading grower and shipper of apples, pears, and cherries has announced it is extending participation in the CHEP pallet pool to cover all domestic shipments. The move is being made following an analysis of the company that identified additional benefits, like lower total cost and easier administration, attributed to shipments on the sturdier CHEP pallet. The Wenatchee, Washington-based company is now using CHEP pallets for all products transported to supermarket retailers and wholesalers across the United States.
"Over the past few years we've experienced an explosion in the number of SKUs our customers are requiring us to carry. The CHEP program allows us to implement consistent palletizing procedures and materials that have a positive impact on our overall production efficiency and pallet appearance," said Roger Pepperl, Stemilt Marketing Director.
Stemilt uses electronic data interface (EDI) for transaction reporting, which saves considerable labor and helps reduce the company's cycle times.
"Use of the CHEP pallet for produce helps reduce product damage because our pallet protects loads better than alternative transport packaging" said Tim Smith, Vice President, New Business Development, CHEP. "Our volume with Stemilt is up 40% this year, which in and of itself is a testimony to the value we add to their operation."
About Stemilt
Stemilt is one of the largest growers and shippers of apples in the world. The company is based in Wenatchee, WA and is owned by the Mathison family. Additional information is available at www.stemilt.com
Contact Information
Roger Pepperl,
Marketing Director,
Stemilt Growers Inc.,
509-662-9667,
roger.pepperl@stemilt.com
Per Ohstrom,
Director, Marketing,
CHEP USA,
+1 407 355 6491,
per.ohstrom@chep.com
Ron Margulis,
RAM Communications,
+1 908 272 3930,
ron@rampr.com
