Comments on: More Evidence of Supply Chain’s Value- The Hershey Company

By: Bruce Spurgeon

Bruce Spurgeon — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:44:26 +0000

Great Hershey review! I know many people at Hershey and they continue to support on-going education for the SCM people. Our local APICS chapter has had excellent participation from Hershey, both as members and presenters at our PDM’s. They do seem to have good vision and obviously good results.

As far as Diana’s comment that cost in Mexico is the same as it would have been in the US, I have not seen this. While at York International (with 11 plants in our group, 7 in the US), we had excellent results in cost and quality in both Monterrey and Durango Mexico plants. The units built there have very tight quality requirements due to operational and safety needs. Since I have more than 10 years of food processing experience I believe I have the background to state that quality and safety in Mexico can easily meet US standards.

By: Diana

Diana — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:05:37 +0000

I can only say they will need to have a great Global Supply chain to support the move to Mexico. I for one after reading this article will boycott Hershey. They could have consolidated in the states for about the same and saved many jobs. Working in the supply chain for over 26 years I see companies move off shore and not realise the costs associated with transportation, imports, exports taxes and duties. To manufacture food in another countries that don’t have our strict regulations and health resources although costly sometimes is the right thing to do. To me safety should come before profit and America should be taken care of its own. Informative article though, Thanks.

By: Bob Ferrari

Bob Ferrari — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:25:38 +0000

Hi Ann,

Thanks for sharing your observations.

It certainly does point out how important it is to have a team with vision and willingness to make a difference for the business. Having senior executive support also helps immensely.

Bob Ferrari

By: Ann Grackin

Ann Grackin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:24:39 +0000

Excellent example of what can be done. Supply Chain staff and firms who support them thru consulting, tech, etc can work together to create substantial value! It frustrates us all why more firms do not reach out to their SCM folks and create programs like this.

Knowing manny of the folks involved in projects at Hershey, they are a company that does respect the potential of supply chain excellence; and they got the right people in their team who can make a difference!

Ann Grackin