(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Exel, a global leader in supply chain management, and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, one of the world's largest tire companies, announced the successful launch of Goodyear's Load Planning Center (LPC) at its world headquarters in Akron, Ohio. The LPC, operated full-time by Exel associates, will centralize all of Goodyear's transportation operations throughout North America.
Exel, which is strategically aligned with Goodyear in a Supply Chain Management (SCM) partnership, has been assisting the company to integrate its supply chain from order to cash throughout the past year, and has provided distribution center solutions for Goodyear for more than six years.
"The Load Planning Center is an integral part of the Goodyear's new integrated supply chain initiative and is a key component in reducing costs while increasing service to our customers," said Patrick Hurley, vice president, supply chain, North American Tire. In May, the new LPC began managing transportation for goods originating at Goodyear's Columbus, Ohio, distribution center. Goodyear plans to transition transportation management operations at its 20 remaining distribution centers to the LPC by the end of the year. When this occurs, the LPC will manage 1.5 million tires each week for Goodyear's more than 20,000 North American customers and 120 core carriers.
"A complete, centralized operation allows Goodyear to fully optimize the value of its dedicated fleet and in turn reduce transportation costs," said Ted Augustine, director of logistics and product applications, North American Tire. "Our customers will receive the highest level of service through consistent network procedures and complete supply chain visibility."
Exel's expertise in integrating a traffic management system (TMS) into the supply chain was an essential part of the seamless launch of the center, Augustine added. The TMS enables Exel to coordinate a cost-efficient, end-to-end transportation solution from the manufacturing plant to the customer.
"Because of its SCM partnership with Goodyear, Exel was able to strategically review the company's transportation functions throughout North America," said Mike Clark, senior director of operations, Exel. "As a result, Exel created an operational model that was supported by the most appropriate technology."
Goodyear, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries.
Exel is a global leader in supply chain management, providing customer-focused solutions to a wide range of manufacturing and retail industries. More information is available at www.exel.com.
