Saddle Creek's cost-effective and integrated logistics solutions, a history of strong customer support, and the ability to meet a tight timeline for start-up were the deciding factors in Hornell Brewing's choice of 3PL.
Saddle Creek has worked with Hornell Brewing since 2007 and recently constructed a 486,000 square-foot-facility at its Lakeland, Fla., campus to house operations for Hornell Brewing and another customer.
"Saddle Creek's integrated logistics capabilities and strong service track record for us at our Florida facility made them a natural choice to manage a DC in the California market as well," said Jay Petragnani, vice president of planning at Hornell Brewing. "It gave us a strong comfort level to know that they could transfer existing processes and procedures from the Lakeland warehouse and transportation operations to ensure a smooth transition."
A seamless transition was critical, given the tight timeframe for the operation. Saddle Creek was asked to develop a solution, find a location and create a transition plan within 30 days in order to meet Hornell Brewing's timeline for start-up.
Saddle Creek selected a facility that was conveniently located near the Hornell Brewing production facility and a major highway network to ensure cost-effective transportation options. The 3PL then assembled a transition team that included several associates involved in day-to-day Hornell Brewing operations in Florida.
"Having experienced associates who are familiar with this account on the ground in California has been invaluable for ensuring a smooth start-up and transition," said Tom Patterson, senior vice president at Saddle Creek. "We're happy to have the resources in place to provide Hornell Brewing with a timely and effective solution."
The new facility brings the total number of Saddle Creek locations to 24 nationwide. "This new operation supports Saddle Creek's corporate expansion strategy in California while providing cost-effective, customer-focused service that helps our customer to meet key business objectives," said Stephen Cook, vice president of marketing and business development at Saddle Creek.
