CHEP, Overwaitea and EV Logistics partner to increase supply chain efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint

New operation eliminates 21,000 liters of diesel fuel and 58,000 kg of CO2 each year

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Overwaitea Food Group and EV Logistics today announced the expansion of their commercial relationship with CHEP, a leading provider of managed pallet pooling solutions. The three companies have launched an on-site Total Pallet Management (TPM) solution at Overwaitea's distribution facility in Langley, B.C.

The new operation, which is managed by EV Logistics, ensures that pallets flow smoothly through the supply chain, improving transport efficiencies and reducing environmental impact. The new TPM solution is expected to eliminate the use of more than 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel and nearly 60 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

"The TPM solution is a great example of joint collaboration between CHEP and Overwaitea Foods, and is already resulting in increased efficiency across the supply chain and a dramatic lowering of the carbon footprint. Our management is very pleased with the initial outcome and look to expand our productivity improvement efforts with CHEP and EV in the future," said Wayne Currie, General Manager at Overwaitea Food Group.

"We're using our experience and expertise to help Overwaitea and CHEP streamline pallet management processes at both companies, and are committed to drive continuous improvement in the supply chain through consistent training and implementing best practices," said Dave Martin, Director at EV Logistics.

CHEP has been a preferred shipping platform for Overwaitea Foods Group for more than two decades and continues to deliver value and operational cost savings.

"The collaboration with Overwaitea Foods Group and EV Logistics demonstrates how we can leverage our collective expertise to eliminate waste. The environment and the entire supply chain benefits from the partnership. We couldn't be more pleased with the results and look forward to many more opportunities to grow together." said Mouvain Lee, Vice President Supply Chain at CHEP Canada.

About CHEP
CHEP is a global leader in managed, returnable and reusable packaging solutions, serving many of the world's largest companies in sectors such as consumer goods, fresh produce, beverage and automotive. CHEP's service is environmentally sustainable and increases efficiency for customers while reducing operating risk and product damage. CHEP's 7,500-plus employees and 300 million pallets and containers offer unbeatable coverage and exceptional value, supporting more than 500,000 customer touch-points in 50 countries. Our customer portfolio includes global companies and brands such as Procter & Gamble, Sysco, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestlé, Ford and GM. CHEP is part of Brambles Limited. For more information, visit www.chep.com.

About Overwaitea Food Group
OFG operates a total of 127 stores in Western Canada. The BC-based company has been in operation for nearly a century, with its first store originally located in New Westminster, BC. With the support of 13,000 team members, OFG serves over 80 communities with six store formats - Save-On-Foods, Overwaitea Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Cooper's Foods, Urban Fare and Bulkley Valley Wholesale. 

EV Logistics
EV Logistics was formed in 1999 through a partnership between two successful logistics companies; Exel Logistics (one of the world's largest logistics companies) and the VersaCold Group (Canada's largest cold storage company). With a combined workforce of almost 750 employees  EV Logistics operates two distinct distribution centers, providing grocery distribution for Overwaitea Food Group, one of Western Canada's largest grocery retailers. The Ambient facility opened in 2001, and now operates a 485,000 sq ft dry goods warehouse. The Perishable facility now operates in a 380,000 sq ft refrigerated warehouse, opened in March 2010. Both distribution centres are located in the Gloucester Industrial Park, Langley, B.C.

SOURCE: Overwaitea Food Group

Sheila Farrier
Director of Global Communications
CHEP
+1 770.668.8350
[email protected]

Jason Adlam
Vice President, Sales & Customer Service
CHEP Canada
+1 905.789.4213
[email protected]

Ronald Margulis
RAM Communications
+1 908.272.3930
[email protected]