Bunzl has doubled the size of its distribution center in Piperton, Tenn., to 1 million square feet, integrating its Bunzl Safety Personal Protection Equipment companies into the facility after the closure of its Memphis location. The expansion is aimed at enhancing efficiency and logistics while offering better inventory management and faster distribution capabilities.

Distributors face significant supply chain disruptions due to tariffs, material shortages, regional instability and logistical challenges as many companies are still stabilizing after pandemic shocks, writes Stephan Liozu, chief value officer for Zilliant. These issues create difficulties in product availability and affect distributors' ability to maintain reliable margins and customer service. Distributors should develop dynamic pricing systems that respond quickly to cost changes, supply fluctuations and customer demand to protect margins and maintain customer trust.

Harbor Foods has been recognized by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors for its focus on employee growth and commitment to community service. The company's Path of Progress program highlights employees who have advanced within the organization, showcasing their achievements on social media. Harbor Foods also engages in various community activities, including food drives and Habitat for Humanity, through its Harbor Cares initiative.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach saw a 17% drop in containership arrivals in early May as retailers and manufacturers paused or canceled orders due to tariffs on Chinese goods, with many ships carrying less-than-normal cargo. The Southern California ports recently handled near-record imports as companies pulled forward orders because of tariff fears.

Cold food processors are increasingly adopting real-time inventory tracking and automation to enhance efficiency, maintain product quality and reduce costs. Technologies such as predictive analytics, AI and automated storage systems allow companies to better forecast demand, manage inventory, reduce waste and speed up order fulfillment.

Forty-eight percent of Americans would like brands to thoroughly explain price increases, citing reasons such as tariffs and supply chain issues, while 26% prefer brief acknowledgments, according to data from Collage Group. Retailers and marketers can build trust by being transparent about price hikes, fostering long-term loyalty.

Federal Reserve officials expressed concern that significant tariff hikes could exacerbate inflation and potentially lead to stagflation, creating challenges for interest rate policy, according to meeting minutes. Officials agreed to maintain a cautious policy stance and keep rates steady, noting that while economic growth remains solid, uncertainty about fiscal and trade policies has increased. The meeting took place before US and China eased some tariffs.

Innovation can lead to organizational transformation, but it also carries hidden costs such as employee resistance, training expenses and productivity slumps, writes Courtney Schuyler, founder and CEO of SkyPhi Studios. Companies can optimize innovation by spacing major implementations eight to 12 months apart, allowing employees to adapt and preventing change fatigue, Schuyler writes.

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