Burt's Bees Finds Efficiency and Energy Savings

Tompkins Associates Implements Equipment and Systems for Greener Facility

Raleigh, NC, May 20, 2008 -- Determined to maximize operations while protecting the environment, Burt's Bees has obtained the best of both worlds. With its new sensor-activated Motorized Drive Roller (MDR) Conveyor, recently implemented by Tompkins Associates (Tompkins), the company increased efficiency and elevated its energy savings: Energy usage is expected to decrease by as much as 40 to 60 percent.

Working with Tompkins to avoid potential problems with storage capacity and customer shipments, Burt's Bees quickly addressed its issues, which were caused by recent product line expansion and clientele growth.

The company leased a 144,000 square foot Distribution Center (DC) in Morrisville, NC, optimized the capacity for future growth, and implemented new material handling equipment (MHE). Tompkins Warehouse Control System (TCS), which includes a system backup and complex event logging, was also installed for better MHE control.

Tony Quartararo, Executive VP of Supply Chain at Burt's Bees, is much happier with the new DC and maximized processes. "The environment is a priority for Burt's Bees, and as we continue to grow, we are ensuring that we remain true to our commitment to the greater good in all we do," he says. "With our new, more efficient operations and equipment, we are able to reduce the amount of energy we use and reduce costs at the same time. It's a win/win situation."

Tony Quartararo, Executive VP of Supply Chain, Burt's Bees

The new solutions maximized the capacity of the DC, boosted return on investment (ROI), and minimized operating costs. Burt's Bees can now consolidate finished goods in one building and meet its growth projections without missing deliveries due to inventory issues.

Dale Harmelink, Partner with Tompkins Associates, notes that many companies encounter the same growing pains as Burt's Bees. "Burt's Bees' proactive stance on ensuring the best scenarios for their customers as well as the environment has led them to the best possible solution for everyone," he says.

Click here to view the Burt's Bees success story (pdf).

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About Tompkins Associates
Tompkins Associates designs and integrates global end-to-end solutions for companies that embrace supply chain excellence. For more than 30 years, Tompkins has evolved with the marketplace to become the leading provider of global supply chain solutions, distribution operations consulting, technology implementation, material handling integration, and benchmarking and best practices. Tompkins works closely with companies to ensure that their supply chains fully support their mission and business plans, as well as future growth. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information, visit www.tompkinsinc.com.

About Burt's Bees
Since 1991, Burt's Bees has been offering distinctive natural personal care products. Today, Burt's Bees is the leading manufacturer in natural personal care with over 150 earth-friendly, natural personal care products, including face care, body care, hair care, lip care, personal wash, men's grooming, baby care, outdoor remedies, and kits & gifts. Burt's Bees has a rich tradition in corporate social responsibility and stands for The Greater Good with all their products having the highest levels of natural ingredients, nature-safe processes, and environmentally sensitive packaging. Burt's Bees has nearly 400 employees with products available through approximately 40,000 retail stores in the United States, as well as Canada, UK, Taiwan and on its website.