Four more USCO Logistics distribution centers earn ISO 9002 certification
USCO Logistics, a leading North American provider of integrated global logistics management solutions, today announced that four more of its multi-client distribution centers have been awarded ISO 9002 Certification. The facilities are in Massachusetts (Franklin) and New Jersey (one in Bridgeport and two facilities in Pedricktown).
Including its North Point DC in Baltimore, Md., USCO Logistics now has five ISO 9002 certified shared distribution centers, with two California distribution centers (Ontario and Cerritos) scheduled for registration this month. Facilities in Denver; Lenexa, Kan.; and Alsip, Ill. are also in the process of preparing for ISO 9002 Certification later this year.
ISO 9002 performance standards were published as a standard model for quality assurance applying to production, installation and servicing activities in 1987 and updated in 1994 to ISO 9002-1994.
Robert R. Auray, Jr., USCO Logistics President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Achieving this internationally recognized ‘Best Practices' documented quality management certification in five of our shared distribution centers is testimony to our commitment to standards and practices that differentiate us from others in the industry. USCO operates the broadest North American network of multi-client distribution facilities, using common systems and quality practices. ISO 9002 Certification provides us with the mechanism to implement and monitor our ‘best practices' through an internal and externally audited quality system at the distribution center level."
To receive certification, the Massachusetts and New Jersey facilities staff participated in 47 training sessions, 844 man-hours of classroom training and comprehensive process documentation. The DCs also incorporated new methods of operational review, audit and follow-up procedures.
"We're pleased with these latest ISO 9002 Certifications, as well as those in process," said Harry Drajpuch, USCO Logistics Executive Vice President and General Manager, Shared Logistics. "ISO standardization drives service consistency at all levels by emphasizing employee training and involvement, task scheduling, issues follow-up, corrective actions, and a commitment to ongoing improvements. ISO 9002 provides us with a model that enables us to document, implement, audit and improve our shared warehousing activities on behalf of the many customers we serve."
USCO Logistics, which includes among its customers Nortel Networks, Sun Microsystems, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Wal-Mart and Target, operates shared and dedicated distribution centers throughout North America, as well as regional stocking locations that house critical parts for expedited delivery of goods throughout North America. In September 2000, the Company was named "Warehouse of the Year" by Warehousing Management magazine for its continued pursuit of quality service and major steps it has taken to successfully redefine itself as a provider of integrate logistics services and a manager of information technology. On July 20, 2001, USCO was acquired by Kuehne & Nagel International AG, Schindelligi, Switzerland, for approximately $300 million. The transaction enables USCO customers to access a single global source for execution of a full suite of logistics management services.
USCO Logistics recently moved its corporate headquarters to Hamden, Conn. Its new address is: One Hamden Center, 2319 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. Phone numbers remain the same. For more information, visit: www.usco.com.
Source: USCO Logistics