Press Releases

Menlo Worldwide Logistics Signs Contract with Curves International

3PL's Multi-client Network Warehouse Management Solution Streamlines Operations in Australia and New Zealand; Offers Increased Efficiency and Flexibility

SAN MATEO, Calif. - May 05, 2009

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), today announced it has gained Curves International as a new customer for its warehouse management and distribution services.

The global franchiser of women’s fitness and weight loss centers is consolidating warehouses in Australia and New Zealand. It has retained Menlo to deploy its multi-client network warehouse management solution to reduce the complexity of managing inventory and improve order fill rates. Menlo is also providing transportation management services.

Following an analysis of its supply chain to determine the optimal number of facilities and strategic locations, Menlo consolidated Curves’ operations to its 31,600-square-foot multi-client warehouse in Sydney near Port Botany. Curves will use approximately 25,000 square feet of warehouse space to house between 800 and 1,000 SKUs, which include replacement exercise equipment and spare parts, workout and casual apparel, diet aids, food supplements and other promotional items.

“Curves has a presence in 70 countries today, and we were looking for a provider with a similar international footprint and the experience to help us better optimize our supply chain to drive operational results,” said Jim Johnson, chief operating officer, Curves International. “Initially, warehousing in Australia and New Zealand required our attention and Menlo quickly and professionally addressed our needs — their multi-client facility and modifications to our carrier network have greatly improved our efficiency. They’ve brought a lot of expertise to the table and our relationship with them has been invaluable.” 

The engagement between Menlo and Curves also includes transportation management services. Menlo will manage inbound transportation from the ports to the warehouse and outbound transportation to fitness centers in both countries. By leveraging Menlo’s asset-light business model, Curves no longer is saddled with a fixed-cost infrastructure for transportation, warehousing and distribution. Through Menlo, it is able to reduce the number of carriers servicing its fitness locations, and leverage more cost-effective pricing and appropriate modes of transportation.

Menlo’s multi-client warehouse management solution also offers flexibility in contract commitment length, the ability to share existing IT platforms, an experienced management and labor infrastructure, requisite equipment and assets, and a more extensive geographic network of pre-configured warehouse operations.

“By consolidating into our multi-client facility in Sydney, Curves gained greater control over inventory levels and is delivering improved service to locations throughout New Zealand and Australia,” said Robert L. Bianco Jr., president, Menlo Worldwide Logistics. “We look forward to working with them to explore additional opportunities to help them further optimize their supply chain and successfully grow their global operations.”

In addition to Sydney, Menlo has multi-client facilities in Mexico, Canada, Asia and Europe. U.S. locations include Atlanta; Dallas; Aurora, Ill.; Cranbury, N.J.; Fontana and Fremont, Calif.; and Portland, Ore.

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Con-way equipment images are available at www.con-way.com/en/about_con_way/newsroom.

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.4 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 16 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.0 billion freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

About Curves

Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to over 4 million women. With nearly 10,000 locations in more than 70 countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit www.curves.com.

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