Rexam Plastics Selects Unyson as Supplier of the Year and Most Innovative Technology Provider

KILDEER, Ill., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rexam Plastics has named Unyson Logistics its 2009 Supplier of the Year.  Unyson, in its role as lead logistics provider for Rexam's U.S. Plastics supply chain network, also earned the award for Innovation and Technology. This recognition comes eighteen months after Unyson implemented its transportation network solution designed to deliver improved efficiencies, visibility, and continuous performance improvement to the Rexam Plastics supply chain.  

On January 26, 2010, Rexam held its 2009 U.S. Plastic Packaging Supplier Excellence Awards ceremony.   At the event, Rexam announced the award winners in the following 4 categories:

1. Logistics - how a supplier manages their supply chain
2. Commercial - increased efficiencies
3. Quality - defined by on-time service and supplier quality processes
4. Innovative Technology/Green Initiative - defined as improving Rexam's overall supply chain by integrating leading processes, technology and lower carbon emissions

In addition to the 4 category winners, there was one Overall Supplier of the Year Award presented to Unyson for exceeding Rexam's expectations in each of the 4 categories and delivering the most value to Rexam. Over twenty of Rexam's North American suppliers participated in this competition.  The contestants were invited to attend a meeting and awards ceremony hosted by Graham Chipchase, Rexam's new Chief Executive based in London, and senior business directors from Rexam divisions.

Scott Vrablik, VP of Supply Chain for Rexam, stated, "Unyson provided Rexam Plastics with streamlined processes and increased efficiencies.   Unyson also implemented best practices and established key metrics to improve service levels."

"We are honored to be selected as Supplier of The Year and to have received the award for Technology Innovation. These awards serve as testimonial to Unyson's continued focus on exceeding our customer's expectations as well as investing in strong technology, processes, and talented people," said Donald Maltby, Executive Vice President of Unyson Logistics.

Unyson's Solution

In 2008, Rexam Plastic Packaging selected Unyson as a partner to revamp their supply chain by uncovering ways to increase network efficiencies and improve customer service levels.  Rexam believed these goals could be achieved by outsourcing the tactical execution and reporting of the strategic transportation program to Unyson. Unyson Logistics committed to provide 25 facilities with:

• Improved transportation scheduling and supply chain efficiencies
• Day-to-day management and execution of all shipments
• Improved shipment visibility
• Identification and management of continuous improvement activities
• Strategic network design services
• Support for Green Initiatives

Within three months, Rexam Plastics began to realize benefits including improved carrier routing and real time shipment visibility on one centralized web site.  Unyson later expanded its service offerings to include International Freight Management to further centralize freight routing and reporting. In 2009, Unyson exceeded Rexam's efficiency targets.

About Rexam

Rexam's vision is to be the best global consumer packaging company. Rexam is one of the largest beverage can makers in the world and a major global player in rigid plastic packaging. Rexam is business partners with some of the worlds most famous and successful consumer brands as well as young, entrepreneurial start-ups. Rexam offers a broad range of packaging services and solutions for different industries, using a variety of leading-edge materials, processes and technologies. Three things characterize Rexam – leadership in its industry, its commitment to innovation and its passion to deliver exceptional value. Rexam's sales from ongoing operations are approximately 4.6 billion pounds Sterling. Rexam employs some 22,000 people in more than 20 countries and is a member of the FTSE 100. Rexam's ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol REX. For further information, visit Rexam's website at www.rexam.com

About Unyson

A division of Hub Group, Inc., Unyson Logistics is a leading multi-modal 3PL. Unyson provides supply chain savings and adapts its services to meet each client's ever increasing needs. Hub Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUBG) is a leading asset-light freight transportation management company providing comprehensive intermodal, truck brokerage and logistics services throughout North America.

SOURCE Hub Group, Inc.