RFID Tagging: iGPS Announces Multi-Million Dollar Supply Agreement With Schoeller Arca Systems
World's first operator of all-plastic pallet pool with built-in RFID tracking partners with world's largest manufacturer of edge-rackable plastic pallets
Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world's first RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool, announced today that it has executed a long-term preferred supplier agreement with Netherlands-based Schoeller Arca Systems, the global leader in plastic packaging systems for materials handling, to manufacture several million pallets for the company.
"As the world's leading manufacturer of plastic returnable pallets for materials handling, Schoeller Arca Systems is an ideal strategic partner as we launch the world's first RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool," said Bob Moore, chief executive officer of iGPS. "Made to our exacting specifications, the 48" x 40" pallets to be supplied weigh less than 50 pounds, handle loads of up to 2,800 pounds, are edge-rackable and meet or exceed the most rigid pooling standards. Among other compelling advantages, our unique all-plastic pallet pool will provide manufacturers and retailers with the lightweight, hygienic and reliable supply-chain solution that they demand. Thanks to the pallets' embedded RFID tags, customers will have the ability to track the location of each unitized load of products throughout the supply chain."
The agreement will enable iGPS to respond to demand from all industries—such as beverages, consumer electronics, grocery/consumer packaged goods, home improvement/do-it-yourself, pharmaceutical, produce/meat and raw ingredients. The advantages of iGPS' plastic pallets include their greater durability, consistent size, shape and quality, superior hygiene and traceability.
"Aside from obvious financial advantages, the shift from wood to plastic pallets is also environmentally responsible," Moore said. "Our pallets are 100 percent recyclable and because they are 30 percent lighter than pallets made of wood could remove several billion pounds of non-value freight from the shipping and supply-chain infrastructure, resulting in huge potential fuel savings."
"This business will enhance the way goods and services are transported by removing cost of ownership as an obstacle for widespread adoption of plastic pallets," said Rene Wolfkamp, chief executive officer of Schoeller Arca Systems. "iGPS is the right partner to launch these superior pallets in the U.S. market. For Schoeller Arca Systems, it is the logical step in further expanding and developing our activities in the U.S."
About iGPS
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with operations in Dallas, Texas, iGPS (www.igps.net) is the first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool. Launched in March 2006, the company includes several pallet and supply-chain industry veterans led by Bob Moore, chief executive officer, and Rex Lowe, president.
About Schoeller Arca Systems
Operating in over 50 countries, Schoeller Arca Systems provides reliable, high quality plastic packaging systems and services. As an innovative and experienced development partner, they are committed to helping their customers reduce their overall logistics costs and enhancing product branding. Their systems are used in a broad variety of industry segments including, beverage, automotive, agriculture, retail distribution, postal services and pool providers. Through their own production facilities and selected licensee partners, they are able to combine a global presence with fruitful local partnerships. Schoeller Arca Systems has over 30 sales and production operations in Europe, Asia, North and South America. It employs 1600 people worldwide and has a turnover of approximately $560 million (U.S.).