2006-08-22 iGPS signs supply agreement with Netherlands firm

Intelligent Global Pooling Systems -- iGPS Co. LLC -- has signed a long-term preferred supplier agreement with Schoeller Arca Systems to manufacture several million pallets for the company.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"As the world's leading manufacturer of plastic returnable pallets for materials handling, Schoeller Arca Systems is an ideal strategic partner as we launch the world's first radio frequency identification (RFID)-tagged all-plastic pallet pool," says Bob Moore, chief executive officer of iGPS.

The 48-inch by 40-inch pallets will weigh less than 50 pounds, handle loads of up to 2,800 pounds, are edge-rackable and meet or exceed the most rigid pooling standards.

The plastic pallets will provide manufacturers and retailers with a lightweight, hygienic supply-chain solution. The pallets' embedded RFID tags track the location of each unitized load of products throughout the supply chain.

Headquartered in Orlando, with operations in Dallas, iGPS is the first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an RFID-tagged all-plastic pallet pool. Launched in March 2006, the company includes several pallet and supply-chain industry veterans led by Moore, chief executive officer, and Rex Lowe, president.

Netherlands-based Schoeller Arca Systems provides high-quality plastic packaging systems and services that are used in a broad variety of industry segments including beverage, automotive, agriculture, retail distribution, postal services and pool providers.

Schoeller Arca Systems has more than 30 sales and production operations in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The company employs 1,600 people worldwide.