The world's largest provider of content management and production services to scientific, technical and medical journal publishers in the world is also one of the five largest publication printers in North America.

The velocity and diversity of their product mix require a fulfillment solution that is both rock-solid and highly flexible.

TLC's proven ability to achieve near 100% accuracy in picking and on-time fulfillment in extremely high-volume order processing is why this customer called on the Dedicated Facility Solution division to re-engineer and manage the company's Maryland Fulfillment Center.

TLC provides dedicated, turnkey operations of the 200,000 sq. ft. facility, a centralized fulfillment center where TLC processes and fills orders from around the world. Orders range in size from pallet to overnight parcel for any one of the 100,000 different medical, scientific and technical journals.

TLC re-engineered the facility layout, isle configuration and material flow; implemented new information systems; and established standard operating practices with key performances indices, including continuous improvement processes.

TLC was awarded the competitive contract based on a SCOPE analysis of the facility by TLC's engineering group. Working closely with the customer's management team, TLC engineered a more efficient solution that removed bottlenecks, lowered transactional costs and shortened order cycle time.

"TLC demonstrated a very thorough, experienced approach to tackling the multitude of issues in an effective fulfillment program," said Joe Ward, Executive Vice President, Journal Sales and Operations. "We are confident that the TLC team will make an ongoing contribution to our industry-specific publishing solutions."

Epilog: In 2005 this facility was recognized with the customer's "Facility of the Year" Award for distinguished long term operational and financial performance. It remains a critical link in their publishing empire.