Ypsilanti-based beer distributor announces new routing software to enhance efficiency, sustainability

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Just ahead of Earth Day on April 22, southeast Michigan beer distributor O&W Inc. is excited to implement new routing software that will optimize delivery routes, increase operational efficiency and enhance order accuracy.

“We’re thrilled to launch this transformative project that will revolutionize our sales and delivery operations,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “By leveraging advanced routing software, we aim to streamline our delivery processes, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and employee safety.”

Key highlights of the new routing software integration include:

• Creating summer and winter delivery plans to accommodate seasonal demand fluctuations. O&W Inc. sells nearly double the amount of beer in June and July versus January and February.
• Reducing the number of delivery days from five to four, resulting in a more efficient use of resources and a reduced carbon footprint.
• Encouraging accounts to hold more inventory, helping to minimize the need for frequent deliveries and further reducing environmental impact. With orders in the system earlier in the day, night crew workers will get home earlier, enhancing work-life balance for employees.

“We will be tracking the monthly impact of these changes to drive improvement,” said Benjamin Brinson, delivery manager at O&W Inc. “By rerouting trucks to cut one delivery day, we keep seven trucks that get five miles per gallon idle, saving fuel and reducing commuter trips — an important step in our company’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.”

Founded in 1933, O&W Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned beer distributor serving a seven-county footprint in southeast Michigan that includes parts of Wayne County. With nearly 200 workers, the company prioritizes sustainability, actively engaging in recycling initiatives and implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations.

“Embracing change for environmental progress is paramount for our company's mission, which necessitates a willingness to innovate and adapt," said Isabel Wanty, vice president of human resources and operations at O&W Inc. “Every member of our team plays a vital role in making decisions that drive us toward our shared environmental goals.”

By integrating innovation into its longstanding tradition of excellence, O&W Inc. strives to uphold its legacy while championing a more sustainable future for its customers, employees and the communities where they live and work.

“Beer distributors work hard, but we can also work smart,” said Andy Roe, director of strategy and analytics at O&W Inc. “On this Earth Day, the team at O&W Inc. is proud of the continuous improvements we are making to be responsible business partners and environmental stewards.”