Location Logistics and Distribution

Hyundai Focuses on Domestic Sourcing to Fuel Growth Plans

Auto manufacturer Hyundai is undertaking a variety of supply chain initiatives as part of its overall plan to increase North America production.

The company is planning to expand local sourcing to stabilize supply for its growing portfolio of vehicles. Hyundai is seeking to domestically source 80% of the parts used in vehicle production, compared to 60% today. Hyundai expects the increase in local sourcing to help secure supply stability, reduce logistics costs and also help mitigate regulatory exposure, leading to an […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-09-29T06:55:23+00:00October 2, 2026|Tags: domestic sourcing, logistics, material cost, material management, optimization, system design|

Kimberly-Clark Pursues Sustainable Wood Fiber Alternative

Kimberly-Clark, maker of well-known brands like Kleenex, Scott, and Huggies, has committed $100 million to build a plant in Yuma, Arizona to scale up production and testing of hesperaloe as an alternative fiber for wood pulp in its hygiene products.

This plant is part of a groundbreaking, long-term sustainability effort for its products such as toilet paper and paper towels.

Video Spotlight:

Kimberly-Clark to build new U.S. facility in Yuma (Aug 24, 2026, News 11 Yuma)

This […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2026-09-29T06:52:36+00:00September 30, 2026|Tags: manufacturing, product design, quality, reshoring, sourcing, strategy, sustainability|

Blanked Sailings Impact Supply Chains

Ocean shipping has become very difficult to plan in recent years.

Various disruptions have occurred, including COVID-related port closures, wars such as the Iran war impacting the Strait of Hormuz, and weather events such as reduced ship traffic through the Panama Canal due to droughts.

To further complicate ocean shipments, many shippers have increased blanked sailings. This happens when ocean carriers cancel a port stop or even an entire ship’s route. Shippers cite several reasons for blanked sailings, including bypassing a port […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-09-27T03:33:06+00:00September 27, 2026|Tags: blanked sailings, inventory management, logistics, scheduling, shipping, supply chain management|

Panama Canal Restricts Daily Transits

The Panama Canal is backing away from its pledge not to restrict the number of ships traveling through it.

Restrictions started September 4, 2026, with the number of vessels capped at 34, and will be further reduced to 32 on September 15th. In spring 2026, the Canal was averaging 35 vessels per day, with a capacity of 40.

A drought reduced rainfall to 34% below the historical average and watershed inflows to 44% below normal. […]

By Ross Fink|2026-09-09T04:12:39+00:00September 11, 2026|Tags: capacity, global supply chain management, logistics, risk, shipping, supply chain disruption, transportation|