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alliances: who's sealed a deal

  • Under Swiss watch. Swiss food and beverage retailer Denner has commissioned Swisslog as the general contractor for the expansion and automation of a distribution center in Magenwil. The project will triple the facility's volume and flow rates and boost its efficiency. The expansion is scheduled for completion by autumn 2007.
  • Put 'er there, partner. ASAP Automation has been named a certified partner in the Microsoft Business Solutions Partnership program, which means the company has demonstrated competence in Microsoft technologies. Based in Louisville, Ky., ASAP Automation provides supply chain execution software and automation technologies. As a certified Microsoft partner, ASAP Automation will now be able to offer its customers access to resources that will ultimately enhance their productivity.
  • Class act. ASURYS, a business unit of International Paper, and RFID4U have partnered to offer CompTIA RFID+ certification training. Most of this training will take place at ASURYS' Memphis, Tenn., Customer Solution Center, which offers industry testing, training, engineering and development services.
  • Ten-hut! P&O Ports has extended an agreement with the U.S. Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) to handle the stevedoring (loading and unloading) of military equipment at the ports of Beaumont and Corpus Christi, Texas, through 2010. P&O has provided these services to SDDC since 1989.
  • What a feeling! Ryder System will support Toyota's new assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas, by providing lead logistics management and operations services from network facility locations throughout North America. Production will begin late this year at the auto plant, which will have the capacity to produce 200,000 Tundra pickup trucks a year.
  • Keying in. USAnotebook.com, an Internet retailer of refurbished laptop computers, has selected DHL as its exclusive domestic shipping provider. USAnotebook.com, located in Pompano Beach, Fla., will use DHL's EasyShip system to process its shipments.
  • In sync. Associated Wholesale Grocers, the nation's second largest retailer-owned grocery wholesaler, is extending its agreement with consulting firm ESYNC. ESYNC has been working with AWG to help the grocer select supply chain software and roll it out at its seven distribution centers.
  • Symbolic act. Systems integrator World Wide Technology Inc. has selected a Symbol enterprise mobility solution for its U.S. warehouses and distribution facilities. Included in the deal are Symbol's MC9060K rugged mobile computers and Mobility Services Platform, which help warehouse workers capture, move and manage critical data.
  • Taking the lead. Eaton Corp. has tapped Penske Logistics to be its lead logistics provider in Europe. The new contract builds on the two companies' long-established relationship in the United States. Under the deal, Penske will provide transportation management services, followed by a comprehensive supply chain redesign for Eaton's European manufacturing operations, which span 13 countries.
  • Mix and match. Two plastic container manufacturers are collaborating to enhance and market one another's product lines. LINPAC Materials Handling, known for its reusable plastic containers and pallets, and Monoflo International, a manufacturer of reusable totes, offer complementary products, which are now available from either company.
  • Going mobile. A collaboration between Intermec Inc. and ADC Technologies Group has brought the power of mobile warehouse operations to small and mid-sized companies using Microsoft Dynamics GP distribution software. The joint marketing program includes Intermec's CK60 rugged mobile computer and ADC's Quickstart Warehouse Mobility Kit featuring ADC's x10DATA Mobile software.
  • Proof positive. Wessin Transport, an independent transportation company serving the Midwest and East Coast, has installed AirClic MP, a proof-of-delivery system from Newtown, Pa.-based AirClic. By equipping its drivers with enabled mobile devices, Wessin now is able to track up to 30,000 deliveries daily in real time while improving its customer service.
  • Chips ahoy. Savi Networks, operator of RFID-enhanced global information services for container shipments, has rolled out its SaviTrak service at ports in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. The service uses RFID technology to provide automated tracking, management and security.
  • No missing tires. RT Systems has received an order to install its warehouse management system, RT Locator, at Jack Williams Tire Co. in Scranton, Pa. The system will provide inventory management and warehouse control at the Jack Williams distribution center, which serves 26 retail locations.

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