News Releases

Michigan Agricultural Growers’ Solution to All Cold Storage Needs
St. Joseph, Mich., 06.21.2011 . . . When it comes to capturing the flavor of Michigan’s agricultural products, Hanson Logistics’ deep freeze is the answer for berries, cherries, apples, carrots, peas and many other crops. ... more

Hanson Logistics to Invest $2MM in Decatur Fruit Processing Facility
St. Joseph, Mich., 02.16.2011 . . . Hanson Logistics announced a $2,000,000 expansion to the company's Decatur, Michigan facility used for cold storage, mixing and packaging by Dole Packaged Foods. ... more

The Frozen Chosen: Hanson Gears Up for Capacity Demand With Expanded Facility and Transportation Services
St. Joseph, Mich., 09.08.2010 . . . With refrigerated transportation indexes pointing to pending capacity restraints and Chicago area warehousing needing additional deep frozen, high-turn space, Hanson Logistics announced it has taken several key steps in its single-source marketing program. ... more

Hanson Logistics Named 2010 Top 85 3PLs by Food Logistics
St. Joseph, Mich., 08.19.2010 . . . Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of third party temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the company has been named to Food Logistics' 2010 Top 85 3PLs. Food Logistics, which focuses on the movement of product through the food supply chain, announced the fifth-annual listing of the Top 85 3PLs in its July/August 2010 issue. ... more

Hanson Logistics To Expand Chicago Consolidation Center
St. Joseph, Mich., 02.23.2010 . . . Hanson Logistics announced today the company is expanding its temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center, located in Hobart, Indiana. The Phase II expansion is due in large part to the growth of the Hanson Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation program, launched in 2008. ... more

Hanson Logistics Welcomes Omaha Steaks To The Chicago
Consolidation Center
Premier Gourmet Foods Brand Calls on Hanson For Midwest Store Door Delivery
St. Joseph, MI, 01.27.2010 . . . Hanson Logistics, a leader in temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today that Omaha Steaks is now utilizing Hanson Logistics for distribution of inventory to support twenty-one of their retail stores in the greater Midwest market region. ... more

Hanson Logistics Named 2009 Top 70 3PLs by Food Logistics
St. Joseph, MI, 08.25.2009 . . . Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of third party temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the company has been named to Food Logistics' 2009 Top 70 3PLs. Food Logistics, which focuses on the movement of product through the food supply chain, announced the fourth-annual listing of the Top 70 3PLs in its July/August 2009 issue. ... more

Larkin Named Vice President of Business Development
St. Joseph, MI, 08.17.2009 . . . Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the appointment of Blake R. Larkin to the company's management team as Vice President of Business Development. Larkin is a seasoned executive with an extensive background in all aspects of supply chain design and management. ... more

Andrew Janson Appointed ITRA Chairman
St. Joseph, MI, 04.20.2009 . . . Andrew B. Janson, President of Hanson Logistics, has been elected to Chairman of the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA). Janson has 25 years of experience in food logistics. He joined Hanson Logistics in 2004, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Development in 2006 and to President in 2009. ... more

Hanson Logistics To Invest $2 Million in Hartford, Michigan Facility
Major Warehouse Improvements Will Support Blueberry Growers
St. Joseph, MI, 03.12.2009 . . . Officials at Hanson Logistics announced today a two-year, two-phase investment initiative in the company’s Hartford, Michigan cold storage and logistics campus located on Red Arrow Highway in Van Buren County. The overall initiative is designed to support the West Michigan agriculture business with a focus on providing Michigan blueberry growers with additional resources to meet the growing demand for their popular berries. ... more

Hanson Logistics Promotes Janson To President
St. Joseph, Michigan, 03.03.2009 . . . Gregory P. Hanson, Vice Chairman of Hanson Logistics, announced today that Andrew B. Janson has been promoted to President of Hanson Logistics effective March 1, 2009. ... more

Hanson Logistics Receives Walmart Approval As Third Party Consolidator
Hanson Velocities™ MVC Offers Transportation Efficiencies For Walmart Suppliers
St. Joseph, Michigan, 02.26.2009 . . .Officials at Hanson Logistics announced today that the company has been accepted as a Third Party Consolidator for Walmart suppliers, serving the nation’s largest retailer through its Chicago Consolidation Center and Velocities™ MVC. ... more

Luckas Joins Hanson Logistics as Vice President of Supply Chain Services
St. Joseph, Michigan, 09.04.2008 . . .Hanson Logistics has announced that Matt Luckas has joined the company as Vice President of Supply Chain Services. In this newly created position, Mr. Luckas will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation, sales and operations management, business development and retention, as well as developing new and improving existing systems and processes as they relate to Hanson Logistics growing service offering. ... more

McCormick & Co. Selects Hanson Logistics
St. Joseph, Michigan, 06.26.2008 . . .McCormick & Co. has selected St. Joseph, MI-based Hanson Logistics to provide logistics management services out of Hanson’s Benton Harbor, MI Logistics Center. Hanson will handle McCormick’s leading industrial restaurant chain clients. ... more

Hanson Logistics To Offer Network Optimization Services
Aligns with Supply Chain Optimizers
St. Joseph, MI, 03.11.2008 . . . Hanson Logistics is expanding its breadth of value-added services by offering clients top-tier Network Optimization through an agreement with Supply Chain Optimizers, Buffalo NY and Toronto ON. ... more

Hanson Logistics Expands Truck Fleet
New OTR Units Support Consolidation and Distribution Services
St. Joseph, MI, 01.29.2008 . . . Hanson Logistics has added more muscle to the company’s growing transportation service with the recent addition of 4 2008 Kenworth 800 linehaul tractors. The new trucks, featuring Aerocab sleepers, give Hanson Logistics the ability to respond quickly to customer requests for regional moves using company equipment. ... more

Hanson Logistics Opens New Chicago Consolidation Center
Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation Begins Ramp Up
St. Joseph, MI, 11.01.2007 . . . It’s big, cold and open for business. Phase One of the Hanson Logistics new temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center is complete and now accepting forward inventory for the company’s Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC) Program. ... more

06.21.2011
Michigan Agricultural Growers' Solution to All Cold Storage Needs

St. Joseph, Mich., June. 21, 2011 — When it comes to capturing the flavor of Michigan's agricultural products, Hanson Logistics' deep freeze is the answer for berries, cherries, apples, carrots, peas and many other crops.

Ensuring Michigan's agricultural products get from the farm to the table in the best, most flavorful condition is crucial for the continued success of farmers, as well as the state. Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry, generating $71.3 billion for the state's economy and employing roughly one million residents.

No other Michigan-based warehouse company has invested more in the past two years to support farmers, and Hanson Logistics intends to remain the growers' go-to cold storage solution.

"This is where it all began," said Andrew Janson, President, Hanson Logistics. "We are firmly committed to providing best-in-class storage and distribution for the agricultural community, many of whom have been our customers for more than 50 years."

The company's most recent investment includes a new refrigeration system upgrade for its Hart, Mich., warehouse. New 630-ton evaporative condensers are more energy efficient, using less water and power to keep the 6 million cubic feet facility at -10F. At -10F, fruit and vegetable flavor is locked in for longer periods, allowing growers to distribute their annual crop over the coming year to markets throughout the world.

Countries everywhere rely on Michigan's vast agricultural production. With more than 53,000 farms, the state ranks second nationally in diverse agriculture production and fifth in processed vegetable production. Michigan is the leading producer of 19 commodities, including blueberries, tart cherries and Niagara grapes.

In addition to cold storage, Hanson Logistics also can play a role in distribution, with both its own trucks as well those managed by Hanson Transportation Management Services.

"It's pretty much a 'one call does it all' service," Janson said. "Growers need to know there's room for them when it’s harvest time. That's why we’re here."

"With the new regulations contained in the Food Safety Modernization Act passed in January, our customers demand that we operate safe and efficient facilities. The bottom line: There is no room for error, and Hanson takes that approach seriously."

The Hart investment caps two years and significant investment of improvements to Hanson's Hart, Decatur and Hartford facilities. All three are located in prime farmland and designed specifically for agricultural support. The locations provide easy rail access and efficient outbound transportation, along with Excellent Ratings from the American Sanitation Institute, which is important for Michigan farmers. The state's agricultural producers export about one-third of their commodities each year. Michigan ranks fifth and eighth respectively for national exports of fruits and vegetables.


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02.16.2011
Hanson Logistics to Invest $2MM in Decatur Fruit Processing Facility
Expansion Supports Dole Packaged Foods, Michigan Growers

St. Joseph, Mich., Feb. 16, 2011 — Hanson Logistics announced today a $2,000,000 expansion to the company's Decatur, Michigan facility used for cold storage, mixing and packaging by Dole Packaged Foods.

Hanson Logistics reached an extended lease and service support agreement with Dole Packaged Foods, which includes facility enhancements for higher volume fruit storage, mixing and packaging. Dole Packaged Foods utilizes the facility to mix frozen California fruit with Michigan fruit to reduce supply chain costs and better serve its customers. In addition to being positive economic news for southwest Michigan, the increased processing capacity will draw more from the Michigan agricultural community.

"This is certainly great news for the Michigan fruit growers, as well Hanson Logistics," commented Andrew Janson, President of Hanson Logistics. "We've had the opportunity to work closely with Dole Packaged Foods during the past several years and to extend our agreement to 11 years is a great vote of confidence in all Hanson teammates and the Michigan infrastructure."

Dole Packaged Foods is headquartered in Westlake Village, California with its Frozen Foods operations in Atwater, California and is a division of Dole Food Company, Inc. In addition to fresh fruits, Dole packages frozen foods such as blackberries, blueberries, dark sweet cherries, mixed berries, mixed fruit, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, peaches, mango, tropical mixed fruit and wild blueberries.

"The team at Hanson Logistics provides the quality logistics support consistent with the Dole global brand," said Jon Rodacy, Dole Packaged Foods Vice President & General Manager. "We look forward to our continuing partnership.""

Hanson Logistics network of Michigan warehouses will play a key role in supplying Dole-Michigan with much of the fruit utilized in their products. Located south of I-94 in a prime agricultural area, the Decatur facility has a capacity of 1.4 million cu. ft. that includes food-processing space. The frozen and refrigerated facility can accommodate 7,500 pallet positions configured for bulk and processed fruit and vegetables.

Decatur is one of eight Hanson Logistics temperature-controlled facilities in a network designed to support agricultural production and storage of food products, as well as high-velocity finished goods distribution for CPG companies.


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09.28.2010
The Frozen Chosen: Hanson Gears Up for Capacity Demand With Expanded Facility and Transportation Services

St. Joseph, Mich., September 28, 2010 – With refrigerated transportation indexes pointing to pending capacity restraints and Chicago area warehousing needing additional deep frozen, high-turn space, Hanson Logistics announced it has taken several key steps in its single-source marketing program.

First and foremost, the company has completed its expansion of the temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center, located in Hobart, Indiana. Consisting of new office areas and 2,517,000 cu. ft. of warehousing space, the expansion includes 8,000 new pallet positions, staging and dock space for frozen and refrigerated foods. The flagship Chicago Consolidation Center is a three-phase, 14.5 million cu. ft. facility now in its third full year of operation. The state-of-the-art complex is designed specifically for high-volume throughput, including flexible racking for quick-pick consolidation and cross docking of temperature-controlled food products.

Secondly, Hanson has expanded its transportation management services. Don Romniak has joined the Hanson team as the Director of Distribution Services. Don, who is stationed at the Hanson Chicago Consolidation Center, brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to the department, and will play a large role in the future success of Hanson transportation. The company is also implementing an electronic payment process for its carrier community.

"We really do work tirelessly to be a carrier friendly organization," said Andrew Janson, President, Hanson Logistics. "We make every attempt to tender the best loads to the best carriers, to reduce dwell time at our docks, and to treat drivers with respect, including fast payment."

Hanson Transportation Management Services provides inbound, shuttle service, national truckload service, as well as Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC). Velocities™ delivers scheduled shared truckloads to major retail, wholesale and foodservice distribution centers throughout the U.S.

The Chicago Consolidation Center and Velocities™ bring 'final mile' and national distribution efficiency to food manufacturers of all sizes, including mid-tier volumes that are traditionally unable to gain the economies of truckload delivery. The facility will be built out in three phases with a total of 45,000 pallet positions in deep frozen (-20°F) to (0°F) frozen and (28- 42°F) cooler areas. For additional information on Phase II opportunities, call 1.888.772.1197.


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09.28.2010
The Frozen Chosen: Hanson Gears Up for Capacity Demand With Expanded Facility and Transportation Services

St. Joseph, Mich., September 28, 2010 – With refrigerated transportation indexes pointing to pending capacity restraints and Chicago area warehousing needing additional deep frozen, high-turn space, Hanson Logistics announced it has taken several key steps in its single-source marketing program.

First and foremost, the company has completed its expansion of the temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center, located in Hobart, Indiana. Consisting of new office areas and 2,517,000 cu. ft. of warehousing space, the expansion includes 8,000 new pallet positions, staging and dock space for frozen and refrigerated foods. The flagship Chicago Consolidation Center is a three-phase, 14.5 million cu. ft. facility now in its third full year of operation. The state-of-the-art complex is designed specifically for high-volume throughput, including flexible racking for quick-pick consolidation and cross docking of temperature-controlled food products.

Secondly, Hanson has expanded its transportation management services. Don Romniak has joined the Hanson team as the Director of Distribution Services. Don, who is stationed at the Hanson Chicago Consolidation Center, brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to the department, and will play a large role in the future success of Hanson transportation. The company is also implementing an electronic payment process for its carrier community.

"We really do work tirelessly to be a carrier friendly organization," said Andrew Janson, President, Hanson Logistics. "We make every attempt to tender the best loads to the best carriers, to reduce dwell time at our docks, and to treat drivers with respect, including fast payment."

Hanson Transportation Management Services provides inbound, shuttle service, national truckload service, as well as Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC). Velocities™ delivers scheduled shared truckloads to major retail, wholesale and foodservice distribution centers throughout the U.S.

The Chicago Consolidation Center and Velocities™ bring 'final mile' and national distribution efficiency to food manufacturers of all sizes, including mid-tier volumes that are traditionally unable to gain the economies of truckload delivery. The facility will be built out in three phases with a total of 45,000 pallet positions in deep frozen (-20°F) to (0°F) frozen and (28- 42°F) cooler areas. For additional information on Phase II opportunities, call 1.888.772.1197.


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08.19.2010
Hanson Logistics Named 2010 Top 85 3PLs by Food Logistics

St. Joseph, Mich., August 19, 2010 - Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of third party temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the company has been named to Food Logistics' 2010 Top 85 3PLs. Food Logistics, which focuses on the movement of product through the food supply chain, announced the fifth-annual listing of the Top 85 3PLs in its July/August 2010 issue.

"We are pleased to be included in this select list with other top-leading third-party providers," said Andrew Janson, President of Hanson Logistics. "The expansion of our Chicago Consolidation Center, together with our Velocities&tm; Consolidation Program, positions Hanson Logistics as a growing and leading resource for end-to-end supply chain solutions, and we appreciate the readers and editors of Food Logistics recognizing our organization in this manner."

Food Logistics first compiled its list of top third-party logistics providers in 2006. These 3PLs offer a broad scope of services and capabilities that enable food companies to reduce costs, increase flexibility and improve service levels. This is the second consecutive year Hanson Logistics has been included in the list.

"Food distribution is a very complex business and 3PLs play a crucial role in the supply chain," explains Katherine Doherty, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics magazine. "While most 3PLs have felt the effects of the economic downturn, the Top 85 continue to respond to their customers' needs and rise to the logistical challenges that today's food organizations face."

Food Logistics' editors created this listing through research, nomination and submission forms from end users, solution providers, and industry analysts. Final recipients are featured in the cover story of the July/August issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at www.foodlogistics.com.


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02.23.2010
Hanson Logistics To Expand Chicago Consolidation Center
Velocities™ Growth, New Clients Spur Need for Additional Space

St. Joseph, Mich., Hanson Logistics announced today the company is expanding its temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center, located in Hobart, Indiana. The Phase II expansion is due in large part to the growth of the Hanson Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation program, launched in 2008. Hanson Logistics expects to break ground in March with opening scheduled for September 2010.

Consisting of new office areas and 2,517,000 cu. ft. of warehousing space, the expansion will add more short-term storage, 7,800 pallet positions, staging and dock space for frozen and refrigerated foods. The flagship Chicago Consolidation Center is a three-phase, 14.5 million cu. ft. facility now in its third full year of operation. The state-of-the-art complex is designed specifically for high-volume throughput, including flexible racking for quick-pick consolidation and cross docking of temperature-controlled food products. From there, Hanson Transportation Management Services provides inbound, shuttle service, national truckload service, as well as Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC). Velocities delivers scheduled shared truckloads to major retail, wholesale and foodservice distribution centers throughout the US.

"Location, growing pool participation and proven on-time performance have created an increasing demand for our value-added services," said Andrew Janson, President, Hanson Logistics. "We are proactive in meeting customer needs with scalable solutions, assuring all clients benefit from Hanson 'Yes, We Can!' service."

Hanson Logistics identified the I-80, I-94 and I-65 corridor in northwest Indiana, specifically the area of Hobart, as offering customers the optimum combination of location, business climate, and robust infrastructure. The Chicago Consolidation Center and Velocities brings 'final mile' efficiency to food manufacturers of all sizes, including mid-tier volume who are traditionally unable to gain the economies of truckload delivery.

Headquartered in St. Joseph, Michigan, Hanson Logistics is a leading provider of temperature-controlled supply chain services, and is one of the largest privately-held refrigerated warehouse networks in the country, with 9 facilities totaling 38,000,000 cu. ft. of deep frozen, refrigerated and dry warehousing space.


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01.27.2010
Hanson Logistics Welcomes Omaha Steaks To The Chicago
Consolidation Center
Premier Gourmet Foods Brand Calls on Hanson For Midwest Store Door Delivery

St. Joseph, MI . . . Hanson Logistics, a leader in temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today that Omaha Steaks is now utilizing Hanson Logistics for distribution of inventory to support twenty-one of their retail stores in the greater Midwest market region.

Hanson Logistics manages inventory, order mixing and direct store delivery to Omaha Steaks' Midwest network of retail outlets. Omaha Steaks is one in a growing number of premier brands using the Hanson Chicago Consolidation Center, home to the Hanson Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC) Program.

Located near the I-80/94 and I-65 exchange in Hobart, Indiana, the three-year old facility takes advantage of the relatively congestion-free east side of Chicago and is strategically located for efficiently replenishing top retail and foodservice companies. In Velocities™ MVC, Hanson operates a scheduled distribution system, picking orders from cross-docked and forward inventory, then consolidating LTL shipments into a collaborative, multi-vendor truckload. Food manufacturers benefit from a shared truckload rate and a scheduled delivery; retailers and foodservice consignees reduce dock congestion and stock outs. Transportation service also includes inbound shuttles from food manufacturers, national truckload service and Chicago area deliveries.

"Omaha Steaks is a world-class brand known for superior quality and service," said Andrew Janson, President of Hanson Logistics. "We are delighted to have them on board and committed to assuring Hanson 'Yes We Can!' service with every delivery."


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08.25.2009
Hanson Logistics Named 2009 Top 70 3PLs by Food Logistics

St. Joseph, MI . . . Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of third party temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the company has been named to Food Logistics' 2009 Top 70 3PLs. Food Logistics, which focuses on the movement of product through the food supply chain, announced the fourth-annual listing of the Top 70 3PLs in its July/August 2009 issue.

"We are pleased to see Hanson Logistics included in this select list with other top-leading third-party providers," said Andrew Janson, President of Hanson Logistics. "Our growing footprint and scope of national distribution services, together with our Velocities™ Consolidation Program, positions Hanson Logistics as a leading resource for end-to-end supply chain solutions, as we appreciate the readers and editors of Food Logistics recognizing our organization in this manner."

Food Logistics first compiled its list of top third-party logistics providers in 2006. These 3PLs offer a broad scope of services and capabilities that enable food companies to reduce costs, increase flexibility and improve service levels. This is the first year Hanson Logistics has been included in the list.

"Food and beverage companies and their third-party logistics counterparts are discovering win-win successes being felt throughout the supply chain—right into the back offices of financials, sales, marketing and IT," explained Katherine Doherty, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics magazine. "Selecting the right 3PL is vital to the success of a company's overall operations—it's a long-term commitment."

Food Logistics' editors created this listing through research, nomination and submission forms from end users, solution providers, and industry analysts. Final recipients are featured in the cover story of the July/August issue of Food Logistics, as well as online at www.foodlogistics.com.


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08.17.2009
Larkin Named Vice President of Business Development

St. Joseph, MI . . . Hanson Logistics, a leading provider of temperature-controlled supply chain services, announced today the appointment of Blake R. Larkin to the company’s management team as Vice President of Business Development. Larkin is a seasoned executive with an extensive background in all aspects of supply chain design and management. Mr. Larkin fills a position vacated by Andrew Janson upon his recent promotion to President of the growing company.

Mr. Larkin brings to Hanson Logistics nearly 20 years of experience in the food and logistics industry. Early in his career, Mr. Larkin joined Dole Food Company as a senior Financial Analyst, rising to General Manager of Logistics Services, Fresh Vegetables Division. Mr. Larkin joins Hanson after having spent the past 10 years with Millard Refrigerated Services in Omaha Nebraska. Mr. Larkin served as Director of Transportation Development and most recently as Vice President of Business Development.

Mr. Larkin will focus on developing new business opportunities in the temperature-controlled market and strengthening relationships with existing Hanson Logistics’ customers. He will utilize his expertise in developing supply chain solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profitability for Hanson Logistics’ growing portfolio of clients.

"We are extremely pleased that Blake is joining our organization," said Andrew Janson, President of Hanson Logistics. "His expertise and enviable track record of customer-centric success are admirable qualities that make Blake a great addition to our leadership team."

Mr. Larkin received his BA from Weber State University and his MBA from Brigham Young University - Marriott School of Management. Fluent in Spanish and very active in his church, Mr. Larkin is a long-standing member of the Council of Supply Chain Professionals.


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04.20.2009
Andrew Janson Appointed ITRA Chairman

St. Joseph, MI . . . Andrew B. Janson, President of Hanson Logistics, has been elected to Chairman of the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA). Janson has 25 years of experience in food logistics. He joined Hanson Logistics in 2004, was promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Development in 2006 and to President in 2009. He also serves in various leadership roles with the IARW and WFLO. Janson is a graduate of Rockhurst University.

The IRTA is an international, non-profit organization established in 1994 to meet a growing demand in the transportation industry for chilled and frozen food products. IRTA has a core international membership of companies involved in the refrigerated transportation industry and strives to provide a forum for the interchange of information and ideas for the movement of frozen or chilled perishable products. The organization is headquartered in Alexandria, VA.


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03.12.2009
Hanson Logistics To Invest $2 Million in Hartford, Michigan Facility
Major Warehouse Improvements Will Support Blueberry Growers

St. Joseph, MI . . . Officials at Hanson Logistics announced today a two-year, two-phase investment initiative in the company’s Hartford, Michigan cold storage and logistics campus located on Red Arrow Highway in Van Buren County. The overall initiative is designed to support the West Michigan agriculture business with a focus on providing Michigan blueberry growers with additional resources to meet the growing demand for their popular berries.

The $2 million improvement, expected to be completed by July 2009, is the first phase of a master plan, developed after extensive dialogue with members of the grower community. The first phase will increase the freezing and long-term storage capacity of the existing Hartford facility. The second phase, scheduled for 2010 at a cost yet to be determined, will include expanded deep-frozen storage space, with additional docks and infrastructure to support higher volume inbound and outbound.

The Hartford campus has a current capacity of nearly 7,000,000 cu. ft., most of which is dedicated to the storage of blueberry harvest and supporting materials. Surrounded by more than 460 acres of irrigated farmland, the facility has a 7-spot private rail siding served by the CSX Railroad.

“The blueberry industry, especially Michigan growers, has always been a very important aspect of our business,” said Andrew Janson, President, Hanson Logistics. “Our investment in the Hartford campus is the result of our ongoing discussions with our customers on how we can best serve their future needs. We are committed to Michigan growers and intend to support this industry with best-of-class freezing, storage and distribution services.”

According to MSU, Michigan is the number one state in highbush blueberry production with 575 farms on nearly 18,000 acres. Most of the acreage is located in the 5 southern most counties (Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon) on the Lake Michigan shore. In the past few years, numerous studies have pointed to the natural antioxidant qualities of blueberries, resulting in an increased demand.


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03.03.2009
Hanson Logistics Promotes Janson To President

St. Joseph, Michigan. . . Gregory P. Hanson, Vice Chairman of Hanson Logistics, announced today that Andrew B. Janson has been promoted to President of Hanson Logistics effective March 1, 2009.

Janson was previously the company's Executive Vice President of Business Development. He joined (then) Hanson Cold Storage in 2004 as Vice President of Business Development and was appointed to the executive management team in 2007.

"I am confident Andy will make an excellent President," stated Hanson. "His passion and contribution to Hanson Logistics has been significant during the last several, very exciting years."

A graduate of Rockhurst University with a BS/BA in Management and Marketing, Janson has 25 years of experience in food logistics. Janson joined Hanson Logistics to lead the company's expansion into fully integrated temperature-controlled logistics and was instrumental in developing the company's Chicago Consolidation Center and launching Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation program.

Janson currently serves as a Director and Treasurer of the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) and a past member of the Board of Governors of the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO). A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he now resides in St. Joseph, Michigan with his wife Ellen and five sons.


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02.26.2009
Hanson Logistics Receives Walmart Approval As Third Party Consolidator
Hanson Velocities™ MVC Offers Transportation Efficiencies For Walmart Suppliers

St. Joseph, Michigan. . .Officials at Hanson Logistics announced today that the company has been accepted as a Third Party Consolidator for Walmart suppliers, serving the nation’s largest retailer through its Chicago Consolidation Center and Velocities™ MVC.

Launched in 2006, the Hanson Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC) program leverages Hanson Transportation Management Services and the strategic location of the Chicago Consolidation Center to provide cost-effective truckload distribution services to leading retailers and foodservice companies. In the Walmart Vendor Pool, refrigerated and frozen food suppliers maintain forward inventory at the Hanson Logistics Chicago Consolidation Center. When Walmart places replenishment orders, Hanson picks those orders from all suppliers and consolidates them into truckload shipments.

In this win-win program, Hanson Logistics works directly with Walmart to relieve suppliers of the tedious tasks associated with order fulfillment and provides transparency through web-based order management. Food manufacturers share truckload savings when shipping smaller, higher frequency orders; Walmart receives scheduled, consolidated truckload deliveries consistent with their continuous fulfillment strategies. What's more, the efficiencies contribute to sustainable supply chain initiatives.

"As a Third Party Consolidator for Walmart suppliers, we are able to offer suppliers the benefit of collaboration achieving MABD metrics and in sharing final mile costs," commented Matt Luckas, Vice President Supply Chain Services, Hanson Logistics. "We are committed to providing best-of-class logistics services to the Walmart supplier community."

Hanson Logistics has established a set sailing schedule to all 41 Walmart Distribution Centers in the U.S. For more information on this and other Hanson Logistics services, contact Hanson at 269.982.1390.


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09.04.2008
Luckas Joins Hanson Logistics as Vice President of Supply Chain Services

Hanson Logistics has announced that Matt Luckas has joined the company as Vice President of Supply Chain Services.

In this newly created position, Mr. Luckas will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation, sales and operations management, business development and retention, as well as developing new and improving existing systems and processes as they relate to Hanson Logistics growing service offering.

Luckas joins Hanson Logistics from GTS, as Vice President of Operations for the national refrigerated carrier. Prior to GTS, he was Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Services at TLC, where he was instrumental in developing the organization’s customer-centric supply chain solutions, resulting in 20% annual growth. For 16 years prior to TLC, Luckas was employed at Ryder Truck Rental where he performed in various capacities in field operations, business development, and training. His extensive career in transportation and logistics also includes more than 10 years in retail grocery operations.

“Matt has an outstanding record of solid achievement in planning, implementing and managing best-of-class systems in the logistics industry,” said Gregory Hanson, President and CEO of Hanson Logistics. “His expertise brings a new dynamic to our management team; one that is certain to yield increasing value for our customers and for all Hanson teammates.”

Luckas received his BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and his MBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University. He presently resides in Kalamazoo, Mich.


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06.26.2008
McCormick & Co. Selects Hanson Logistics

McCormick & Co. has selected St. Joseph, MI-based Hanson Logistics to provide logistics management services out of Hanson’s Benton Harbor, MI Logistics Center. Hanson will handle McCormick’s leading industrial restaurant chain clients.

Hanson Logistics is providing services such as inventory management on product arriving from McCormick’s plants in South Bend, IN, and Hunt Valley, Maryland, and transportation services, including local truck load and shuttle services. Hanson ships McCormick’s product to foodservice distribution centers across the U.S.

Hanson and McCormick are working together to establish a partnership based on a commitment to continuous improvement through the establishment of key performance indicators and metric review meetings. McCormick will track cycle counts, the processing of inbounds and outbounds, case fill rates and EDI performance.

Hanson has made extensive improvements to its Benton Harbor, MI, facility to meet the high quality standards that McCormick’s customers require.

“Hanson Logistics was awarded the business based on our experience and in-depth understanding of the food industry and the knowledge and leadership abilities of our Benton Harbor Logistics Center team,” says Greg Hanson, Hanson’s CEO. “When we took over their business, we ‘hit the ground running’ by providing our services during their busiest season. We continue to work hard with McCormick to help them achieve their business goals by managing change and information in their supply chain.”


For more information on Hanson Logistics services, contact Andrew Janson, EVP of Business Development, at 269.982.1390.


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03.11.2008
Hanson Logistics To Offer Network Optimization Services
Aligns with Supply Chain Optimizers

St. Joseph, MI . . . Hanson Logistics is expanding its breadth of value-added services by offering clients top-tier Network Optimization through an agreement with Supply Chain Optimizers, Buffalo NY and Toronto ON.

“Transportation costs account for 60% of every logistics dollar and fuel costs are driving that figure even higher,” said Andrew Janson, EVP of Business Development, Hanson Logistics. “Network optimization is critical. Supply Chain Optimizers brings both high-level vision and front line experience. Their team is highly regarded in the frozen food industry, and we look forward to giving our customers access to their solutions.”

Supply Chain Optimizers provides in-depth supply chain analysis and engineering for many of the world’s foremost consumer product companies and logistics providers. The company’s expertise encompasses all aspects of the supply chain, including domestic and international operations, packaging, transportation and network optimization. This expertise, together with comprehensive transportation pricing data, gives clients an achievable, real world model of best-of-class supply chain performance.

“As a premier provider in the cold supply chain, Hanson Logistics strives to deliver value to their customers,” said Supply Chain Optimizers CEO Jack Ampuja. “We’ve enjoyed working with Hanson Logistics in the past, and our Network Optimization should prove to be an asset in assisting their clients with clear, concise solutions."

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01.29.2008
Hanson Logistics Expands Truck Fleet
New OTR Units Support Consolidation and Distribution Services

St. Joseph, MI . . . Hanson Logistics has added more muscle to the company’s growing transportation service with the recent addition of 4 2008 Kenworth 800 linehaul tractors. The new trucks, featuring Aerocab sleepers, give Hanson Logistics the ability to respond quickly to customer requests for regional moves using company equipment.

“Safe, on-time delivery is critical regardless of the carrier,” said Andrew Janson, Hanson Logistics EVP of Business Development. “Our carrier community has more than sufficient capacity to handle our consolidation and distribution requirements. Our fleet expansion, with a longer reach, gives our customers the added security of knowing their refrigerated warehouse provider also has transportation assets in place to handle emergency or unusual load requirements.

Hanson Logistics Transportation Management Services draws upon a community of more than 250 qualified refrigerated, dry and rail carriers to offer customers “asset” and “non-asset” based transportation. In addition to production support and traditional distribution, Hanson operates Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation for the company’s new Chicago Consolidation Center, where the new units are domiciled. In Velocities™ MVC, food manufacturers benefit from a shared truckload rate and a scheduled delivery; retailers and foodservice consignees reduce dock congestion and stock outs. Complete information on the Chicago Consolidation Center is available by clicking here.


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11.01.2007
Hanson Logistics Opens New Chicago Consolidation Center
Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation Begins Ramp Up

St. Joseph, MI . . . It’s big, cold and open for business. Phase One of the Hanson Logistics new temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center is complete and now accepting forward inventory for the company’s Velocities™ Multi-Vendor Consolidation (MVC) Program.

Located near the I-80/94 and I-65 exchange in Hobart, Indiana, the new facility takes advantage of the relatively congestion-free east side of Chicago and is strategically located for efficiently replenishing top retail and foodservice companies. In Velocities™ MVC, Hanson operates a scheduled distribution system, picking orders from cross-docked and forward inventory, then consolidating LTL shipments into a collaborative, multi-vendor truckload. Food manufacturers benefit from a shared truckload rate and a scheduled delivery; retailers and foodservice consignees reduce dock congestion and stock outs. Transportation service also includes inbound shuttles from food manufacturers, national truckload service and Chicago area deliveries.

Phase One consists of fully racked 5,000,000 cu. ft. with 15,000 pallet positions, ranging from deep frozen (-20°F) to frozen (0°F) and cooler (28°F – 40°F). Despite its impressive size (three phases will total 14,500,000 cu. ft.), the Chicago campus is more about service than buildings.

“This is a distribution center designed under the concept of ‘total flexibility’ to accommodate a variety of customers, products and distribution programs,” said Andrew Janson, Hanson Logistics EVP of Business Development. “We’ve built our reputation on cold storage first, transportation second, so this is a brand extension of sorts. We see consolidation as ‘the next big thing’ in the cold supply chain, and we intend to set the standard.”

In addition to tapping into a national distribution system, customers moving product through the Chicago Consolidation Center will benefit from leading-edge RF technology, with web access to our WMS and transportation management services for end-to-end order visibility.

“There is tremendous added value in consolidating at Chicago, especially for companies currently shipping LTL,” continued Janson. “Customers can leverage latest-generation technology, an ideal location and the critical mass that is usually afforded to only the largest shippers.”


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To learn more about Hanson Logistics please contact us toll free at 888.772.1197 or fill out the Contact Us form for more information.