SILMAN INDUSTRIES WRAPS PROJECT WITH LEVI STRAUSS & CO. CANADA
Updated distribution system enhances capacity and team member well-being
San Leandro, Calif.: Levi Strauss and Co. and SilMan Industries have completed systemwide renovations on Levi’s distribution center in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. SilMan’s integrated solution replaces order induction, value added services (“VAS”) processing, sortation and shipping systems, as well as system controls. As a result, the improvements in service levels, data management and capacity will enhance Levi’s ability to support their growing retail footprint in Canada.
Levi Toronto team, Day 1 with new system
SilMan provided several custom engineering designs for the project, including two separate sortation systems for VAS and Shipping. Additionally, ergonomically redesigned VAS stations have increased efficiency and team member wellness. The project was completed in July, 2019.
Project Leader Keith Hiyama, who heads the engineering team at SilMan, noted the environment of trust and creativity that Levi has created. “The success of this project is a testament to the value of collaboration, and the team cultures at Levi and SilMan,” Hiyama said.
Notable Contributions
Key team members onsite include Kevin Jackson (SilMan Controls Group), David Birmingham and Eric Bickford (system design and engineering), all based in SilMan’s Tupelo, Mississippi office. SilMan also worked closely with TGW Systems, Inc. (headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.) to provide conveyance and sortation systems.
“This project has been a great exercise of our internal capabilities, as well as third party relationships,” said David Rebata, who leads the Logistics Division at SilMan. “We are proud of the creativity and skill demonstrated by our teammates and partners,” Rebata continued. “And above all, we are pleased with the value this project has delivered for Levi Strauss.”
Levi Strauss Regional Growth
Levi has enjoyed a rapid embrace from their northern neighbors, most recently opening a 5300 sq/ft retail outlet in the Toronto Eaton Centre in June 2018. Which speaks directly to the need to expand the capacity of this distribution facility in nearby Etobicoke.
About the Company
SilMan Industries (previously SilMan Construction) is based in San Leandro, Calif., with Engineering and Field Operations offices in Tupelo, Miss. The firm provides integrated turnkey solutions in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Public Works sectors.
Notably, in 2010 SilMan Industries was contracted to dismantle and remove the NUMMI assembly line in Fremont, Calif., transport the equipment, and reinstall the system in Blue Spring, Miss., establishing Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS). This high-visibility project ignited the company’s meteoric growth, laying the foundation for SilMan’s national service area.
For more information, please visit www.silmanindustries.com/about.
