Saddle Creek to Manage Nationwide Logistics for TalkingRain

LAKELAND, Fla., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a third-party logistics provider (3PL), announced today that the company has been selected to handle nationwide supply chain management for TalkingRain Beverage Company, a Seattle-based producer of spring waters, sparkling essence waters and flavored sparkling spring waters.

Saddle Creek played a key role in configuring the distribution network for TalkingRain, supporting the company's expansion to a national footprint. The 3PL identified strategic locations that will put the beverage producer's inventory close to end customers, optimize transportation costs and drive service level excellence. Facilities include existing space in Lakeland, Fla.; Macon, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Florence, N.J., and Chicago, as well as three new locations in Seattle; Ontario, Calif.; and Fort Worth, Texas.

Saddle Creek will provide value-added services such as product reconfiguration, product customization and rainbow-pallet building. This support will help TalkingRain to move inventory closer to its customers, optimize packaging for end users, and remove a node from its supply chain. In addition, Saddle Creek will manage more than one million square feet of food-grade warehouse space at eight campuses across the country.

While TalkingRain has been a local fixture in the Northwest for more than 25 years, the company has recently experienced explosive year-over-year growth and begun expanding nationwide.

"It was necessary for us to secure a supply chain solution that could accommodate our rapidly evolving needs," said Kevin Klock, CEO of TalkingRain. "Saddle Creek offers creative ideas and scalable resources which will enable us to achieve our business goals more efficiently. Their experience in our industry, quality service record, and nationwide network gave us confidence in their ability to help take our business to the next level."

Saddle Creek is well positioned to support the beverage company's growth. "From improving inventory visibility to optimizing their network in support of postponement strategies, we look forward to helping TalkingRain streamline their supply chain," said Duane Sizemore, senior vice president, marketing and business development for Saddle Creek. "We're pleased to provide a single-source solution on a national level. With the size and scope of their operations, TalkingRain will be one of our top accounts. "

About Saddle Creek Logistics Services

Saddle Creek is a third-party logistics company providing warehousing, transportation, packaging and fulfillment services. We leverage our broad array of capabilities to deliver integrated solutions that support our customers' business objectives. For more information, visit sclogistics.com.

About TalkingRain®

Founded in 1987, TalkingRain is a small business comprised of 220 employees and has grown to be a leader in the beverage industry offering a variety of drinks ranging from mountain spring water to flavored sparkling spring water. The TalkingRain® family of beverages includes thirst-quenching product lines: Sparkling ICE®, Sparkling Essence Water and Mountain Spring Water, all of which are created to refresh the body and renew the mind. For 26 years, TalkingRain has stayed true to its vision and its commitment to community by continually creating great tasting, refreshing beverages. For more information about TalkingRain Beverage Company, please visit www.talkingrain.com.

Contact:

Michele Wade, Account Executive, MindShare Strategies, Inc.
612/309-4527, [email protected]

Tom Collins, Director of Marketing, Saddle Creek Logistics Services
863/668-4404, [email protected]

SOURCE Saddle Creek Logistics Services