Supply-chain management company offers fulfillment center capabilities

LATHROP—Many smaller companies need the capabilities of a large-scale fulfillment distribution center, but don’t have the space or capital of Amazon or other mega-shippers. Many supply-chain management companies help with business conundrum.

One company with local centers just might have the ecommerce solution for many valley businesses without resources.

Dearborn, Michigan-based Hollingsworth is an end-to-end supply chain management company with 28 distribution facilities located throughout the U.S. and two such locations in Tracy and Lathrop.

In 1991, Hollingsworth began by shipping parts for the Ford Motor Company, a relationship that continues to this day. They are the primary packager for the automotive giant.

By taking on multiple clients, Hollingsworth is able to parse out warehouse space, bringing shipping costs down.

“In the Lathrop area we are very much focused on ecommerce and retail and direct-to-consumer,” said Brian Sheehan, sales and marketing manager for Hollingsworth in this region. “We have local companies and companies that are overseas. It depends on the port of entry for their goods.”

Sheehan said many of their customers are manufacturers, and multiple facilities may be used for one client. Increased facilities also helps Hollingsworth offer same day shipping on behalf of its clients to most areas.

“In a shared warehouse, there’s shared costs,” Sheehan said, allowing for the cost savings to be passed onto the client.

Hollingsworth offers solutions to warehousing, fulfillment, packaging, inventory and program management and more, allowing those who use their services to scale their businesses easily without the hassle of dealing with expansion costs.

With the holiday season estimated to be the peak time for sales, Hollingsworth is preparing for the increased traffic. It’s estimated that the holiday rush accounts for 30 percent of annual sales for many retailers.