How Steelcase consolidated a number of facilities to streamline operations and increase efficiencies

As Steelcase, a leading global office furniture manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, Mich., completed integration of several strategic acquisitions within a four-year period, the company found itself with a number of new manufacturing and distribution centers.

After a thorough analysis of the new network, Steelcase consolidated a number of its U.S. facilities to streamline operations, increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

While this move was good for the company, it did create a significant challenge for Dennis Carlson, Logistics Manager –Technical Services, North American Physical Distribution.

“As a result of the acquisitions and consolidations, the view I had of my forklift fleets became quite cloudy,” said Carlson. “I had new forklifts added to my fleet, while other trucks were moving from one facility to another. It wasn’t long before I realized that I needed to take steps to ensure I maintained a clear understanding of the number of trucks in my fleet, the conditions of those trucks, and most importantly, their utilization rates.”