Location Planning and Analysis

Redwood Logistics Facilitates Nearshoring

Redwood Logistics is expanding its transportation operations to Mexico.

This move follows the nearshoring trend of manufacturers who are bringing production closer to home in order to be less reliant on overseas suppliers.

Redwood Logistics’ Mexico expansion allows it to become a logistic service gateway connecting the electronic, automotive, appliances, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industries in Mexico with the U.S.

Video Spotlight:

What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring (Annual Meeting, Davos 2023) (Jan 5, 2023, World Economic Forum)

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-05-28T17:40:57+00:00May 28, 2023|Tags: competitive advantage, global supply chain management, location planning, nearshoring, operations strategy, outsourcing|

Ikea Expanding Capacity in the United States

Ikea will invest $2.2 billion to upgrade existing stores, and open new stores and designer centers in the U.S.

Ikea’s expansion is in direct contrast to store closing decisions by other retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Video Spotlight:

IKEA plans new US stores in $2.2 billion push (Apr 20, 2023, Reuters)

This post is based on the Business Insider article, Ikea is spending over $2 billion to open 8 new […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-05-25T02:28:41+00:00May 24, 2023|Tags: capacity strategies, expansion, location planning|

The Scoop on Tillamook’s New Factory Location

A Tillamook ice cream factory is opening in Decatur, Illinois, in 2024.

With a $50 million investment, Tillamook is upgrading an old Prairie Farms facility to better serve the growing Eastern US ice cream market. The Tillamook factory will revitalize the Decatur area with new jobs and economic development.

Video Spotlight:

Behind The Scenes at The Tillamook Creamery (July 27, 2022, Tillamook)

This post is based on the WCIA.com article, West Coast ice cream factory […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2023-04-12T07:40:04+00:00April 12, 2023|Tags: capacity planning, facility location, location|

Starbucks Adds A New Flavor: Olive Oil

CEO Charles Schultz’s latest slick innovation for Starbucks adds a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil to a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages at the Milan roastery location.

Italian customers expressed mixed reactions to this unusual blend of ingredients.

Video Spotlight:

Introducing Starbucks new coffee ritual: Oleato™ (Feb 21, 2023, Starbucks Coffee)
Olive oil in coffee? Starbucks introduces ‘Oleato’ (Feb 22, 2023, Reuters)

This post is based on The Guardian article,

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-03-18T00:45:45+00:00March 17, 2023|Tags: forecasting, idea generation, inventory management, location planning, product design, purchasing, quality, sourcing, strategy|