2006-12-15 APICS Visits the CHEP Innovation Center and Orlando Plant

Operations Management Specialists Study Cutting Edge Facilities

Operations professionals recently gathered in Orlando for the APICS (The Association for Operations Management) International Conference and Exposition. Study of trends, strategies, and advancements in supply chain and operations management was combined with a study visit to the CHEP Innovation Center here. This leading-edge pallet and unit load research and development facility is available for use by CHEP customers to develop solutions and solve issues. The APICS team was introduced to CHEP’s fully equipped testing facility with a visual and scientific demonstration of how customer problems and pallet quality issues are resolved. The Innovation Center helps reduce product damage and unit load instability for CHEP customers. In the adjoining pallet repair facility, CHEP applies a highly automated repair model, combining best practices from CHEP facilities around the globe. “We are happy to share with the APICS team the value CHEP can provide to the supply chain.” said Brian Beattie, Senior Vice President, Marketing, CHEP. “The CHEP Innovation Center provides a comprehensive demonstration of the research, testing, and support we offer our customers.” About APICS APICS, The Association for Operations Management, is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics. Since 1957, individuals and companies have relied on APICS for its superior training, internationally recognized certifications, comprehensive resources, and worldwide network of accomplished industry professionals. For more information about APICS, visit www.apics.org. About CHEP CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 280 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday. For more information

about CHEP, please visit: www.chep.com. Contacts CHEP USA Per Ohstrom, +1 407-355-6491 Director, Marketing per.ohstrom@chep.com or RAM Communications Ronald Margulis, +1 908-272-3930 ron@rampr.com