When a major manufacturer hit the convenience foods jackpot with its line of microwave frozen sandwiches, the company needed to meet skyrocketing demand with a flexible, service-oriented, cost-effective distribution network.

After a number of unsuccessful vendor relationships, resulting in below par customer service, they turned to TLC.

"We needed a competitively-priced pool distribution program; that's a requirement in any market today," said their VP of Logistics. "But we also needed outstanding service; a pool that can accommodate a reasonable amount of order changes in a reasonable time before the pool sails. It's unrealistic to think you will not have order changes or that you can succeed with a pool program that cannot accommodate those changes."

Example: TLC's Rochelle complex offers 14 million cu. ft. of multi-temperature storage (from -20°F to 45°F) for handling a full range of low temperature food products. Strategically located on I-88 just west of Chicago, Rochelle effectively services retailers, wholesalers and distributors in a 10 state area. Transportation is provided by TLC's own fleet and our TM-ONE Tranportation Management network.

Production plants feed Rochelle with truckload volumes from as far away as California and Kentucky; partially carried with TLC's TM-ONE backhauls. Orders, typically small cases picked from more than 80 SKUs, are configured for shipment from EDI transmissions. Each is picked and palletized according to the customer's requirements. With a customer base ranging from food service, school, convenience store, to retail and club store customers, TLC's customer service operation is tailored to each sector's service requirements. Typical orders are next day shipment. Integrated distribution and transportation functions enables TLC to deliver this level of customer service.

Our Customer: "TLC works diligently toward what I always refer to as the 'perfect order' -- getting the customer exactly what he wants, when he wants it." And that's what it's all about.

For Pool Programs that deliver enhanced shareholder value, TLC is your Supply Chain One.