E-Malt.com News article: UK: InBev turns to 3M for Standardised Supply Chain Strategy

3M Supply Chain Solutions, the international operating arm of High Jump Software and a division of diversified technology company 3M, announced that global brewer InBev has chosen the HighJump Supply Chain Advantage suite for its worldwide warehouse operations, UKPRwire reported June 18. The first implementation of the HighJump solutions will be in the UK later this year. InBev will use the solutions as part of a comprehensive IT strategy, designed to link disparate production facilities, strengthen process execution and improve management visibility with consolidated, real-time information.

InBev is the world’s leading brewer, with a portfolio of such well-known brands as Stella Artois, Beck’s, Leffe and Brahma among many others. In the highly competitive beer industry, there are constantly shifting supply chain requirements and regulations at local, regional and national levels. In order to increase customer satisfaction and achieve its dream to become the best beer company in the world, InBev sought the backing and support of a global brand that truly understands the needs of its customers, as well as the major supply chain issues and challenges.

“We wanted to work with a multi-national company that not only understands the complexity of our supply chain operations, but also knows first-hand the importance of standardising the underlying technologies to effectively support growth,” said Koen Goossens, Logistics Director Western Europe, InBev. “With HighJump Software and 3M behind us, we’re confident we can keep our customers in the forefront through a solid approach to managing our diverse product lines and rapidly changing environment.”

“This agreement with InBev is further testament to the high industry regard for HighJump as a technology capable of revolutionising the control that companies have over their supply chain,” commented Hugh Murphy UK Business Manager of 3M’s Supply Chain Solutions Division. “The HighJump system will enable InBev to strengthen its supply-chain visibility, enhance operational efficiency, heighten productivity and boost customer service levels.”
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3M and HighJump are registered trade marks of 3M

About InBev

InBev is a publicly traded company (Euronext: INB) based in Leuven, Belgium. The company's origins date back to 1366, and today it is the leading global brewer. InBev’s strategy is to strengthen its local platforms by building significant positions in the world's major beer markets through organic growth, world-class efficiency, targeted external growth, and by putting consumers first. InBev has a portfolio of more than 200 brands, including Stella Artois®, Brahma®, Beck’s®, Leffe® and Skol® - the third-largest selling beer brand in the world. InBev employs some 86 000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2006, InBev realized 13.3 billion euro of revenue.

About 3M

3M is a $22.9 billion diversified technology company, creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M has pioneered innovation since 1902 and, today, invests more than $1.5 billion a year in R&D. It has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention solutions; and its digital signage offerings are set to revolutionise the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

3M employs 75,000 people worldwide to deliver more than 55,000 products to customers in some 200 countries. Its diverse technologies touch nearly every aspect of modern life, serving markets such as consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, safety, security and protection services, healthcare, industrial and transportation.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 3800 people across 16 locations, including 11 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, respirators, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings and secure documents.


20 June, 2007