MANUFACTURING THROUGH SUPPLY CHAIN INSTABILITY
Equipment manufacturers explain how global supply chain disruptions have forced them to alter strategies and expand lines of communication.
In early June, MAFSI reported a 2.1 percent year-over-year drop in overall sales for Q1, a number that far surpassed the 18.9 percent dive that was projected and improved upon the 19.4 percent decline in Q4 of last year. The optimism is palpable as foodservice continues its rebound alongside the United States at large, but standing on the doorstep of pre-pandemic sales, the industry is tackling a new challenge that threatens the pace of its recovery. Like the public health crisis of the past year, disruption in the global supply chain is an obstacle faced by virtually every industry. Manufacturing, stocking and inventory strategies are widely being reconfigured to keep up with demand in pursuit of getting more products, faster and at a reasonable price.
“I recently heard a CEO outside of our industry refer to himself as the new ‘chief expediting officer’ in an interview,” says Will Means, president of Champion Industries.
Adjusting to a Rejuvenated Market Transitioning from months of lagging sales to the sudden influx of business over the past few months has taken a toll on many, while others are seeing their proactive measures pay off. “We began working with our suppliers early in the recovery process, placing orders and vying for prime position in their shipments,” Means says. “We have always carried a healthy amount of safety stock. Having a lot of inventory is one thing, but having the part you need is quite another. We have
By Ethan Gibble Contributing Writer
20 FEDA News & Views STEVE MAAHS
PRESIDENT AND COO ALTO-SHAAM
invested in technology within our ERP system to ensure we are carrying the inventory that we need. This has been critical in helping supply our customers through these difficult times.”
The nation’s economic recovery, combined with an ongoing labor shortage, has operations throughout the country trying to bolster their workforce. Those who weren’t forced into a significant labor reduction throughout the pandemic, however, understand their good fortune. “Because we’re a private company, we made the choice to not
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