iPower Distribution Group of New England Launches New Website

May 27, 2008 - PRLog -- Northborough MA (5-27-2008) - iPower Distribution Group of New England today announced that it had launched its new website, www.iPowerNE.com effective May 27, 2008. According to Doug Markham, President of iPower New England, the website was designed to provide access to its existing customers for the web-based services it provides, such as iZap and iHub, as well as information and guidance to industrial manufacturers seeking an innovative way to solve their supply chain challenges.

“Today, it is not enough to ‘tighten ones belt’ in the face of rising costs and increasing global competition,” said Markham. “To survive – and to thrive – the successful manufacturer must utilize all the benefits and services offered by iPowerNE, including vendor managed inventory, reduction in material costs, reduction in lead times and reduced supply base,” said Markham.

The approach that iPowerNE brings to its customers, according to Markham, is the efficient management of high volume, low-cost industrial components and consumable supplies that take up a lot of time and energy and contribute only in a small way to profitable manufacturing. Simple things, such as getting the right part to the right place at the right time for assembly work can sometimes overwhelm a business that is focusing on seemingly larger issues. But, if the production line stops as a result of a supply chain breakdown, the effects can be devastating.

“Since 1992 we have been developing and perfecting the process that helps manufacturers get things done,” said Markham. “We often see manufacturers struggling with obsolete inventory, stock-outs, shrinking warehouse space and a crunch of working capital,” said Markham. When these challenges begin to overwhelm a manufacturer, the promise of a vendor managed inventory and coordinated 2-bin pull systems is a reduction in costs and an increase in efficiency and profitability. “When we offer these solutions, the owners and managers of businesses faced with these issues jump at the chance to streamline the supply chain,” added Markham.

The new website describes some case studies that manufacturers can use as a guide post for doing things differently. In one case, a manufacturer consolidated its purchasing for 8,000 parts that eliminated 75 suppliers. With that kind of opportunity to consolidate suppliers, it meant an immediate release of purchasing capacity for the manufacturer.

“We work closely with each client to develop an integrated supply chain plan for high volume low-cost components that consolidates suppliers, and reduces prices, lead times, inventory levels, and operating cost,” said Markham. “The plan is executed using iPower’s proprietary electronic commerce technology to not only launch orders at the speed of need but also to provide reports to control spend and supplier performance,” he added.

According to Markham, this reliable replenishment system is fully integrated with its network of industrial suppliers to provide customers with the broadest cross-section of industrial components and supplies at Tier 1 pricing in the market place today. Together, the member of iPowerNE can provide fluid control hydraulics, hose & fittings, power transmission, bearings, fasteners, o-rings, pipe, valves & fittings, air compressors, electronics, electrical PLC and a wide range of industrial tools, abrasives, adhesives and other MRO materials.

“Our member companies serve a wide range of industrial and commercial manufacturing operations throughout New England and Worldwide. As members of iPower of New England, they bring a combined purchasing and sales force substantial enough to bring efficiencies to any customer,” said Markham. “Whether it’s a VMI (vendor managed inventory), a vendor consolidation process, or a system to measure supplier performance, iPower and its members are ready to respond,” he added.

iPower New England is located at 70 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA, 01532. Member companies of iPowerNE include CCA Wesco, Corporate Express, Eastern Bearings, IDG Corp, Specialty Bolt & Screw and The Hope Group.

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iPower Distribution Group of New England implements supply chain solutions for major manufacturers providing vendor managed inventory, vendor consolidation, integrated supply and reduced costs.