SUGAR LAND, Texas--Imperial Sugar (NASDAQ:IPSU) announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (“iGPS”) to become the first sugar company to begin using RFID-enabled plastic pallets to deliver its products to its customers.
In partnership with iGPS, Imperial will provide a pallet platform that is lighter, more uniform in size (48 x 40), significantly more durable, hygienic, fully traceable and 100% recyclable. Every iGPS pallet will contain an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled sensor to allow for full traceability. Pertinent information, such as where each pallet has previously been and exactly what has been transported on that specific pallet, can be gathered through RFID. As importantly, the composition of the plastic pallet will improve the level of product integrity and will increase durability while reducing susceptibility to damage.
“This partnership encapsulates many of Imperial Sugar’s top priorities: innovation, excellent customer service and environmental responsibility,” said John Sheptor, chief operating officer of Imperial Sugar. “RFID technology is the future of supply chain management and we are proud to bring this innovation to the sugar industry.”
Rex Lowe, president of iGPS, points out that the plastic pallets help ensure product integrity and safeguard against cross-contamination. “We’re thrilled to offer a socially responsible, customer-focused solution to Imperial Sugar," Lowe said. "This sugar-industry first enables Imperial to provide a safer and fully traceable product to its consumers while creating a secure, efficient work environment that eliminates injuries from splinters and nails, reduces equipment jams and lowers transport costs.”
Imperial Sugar will have exclusive rights to this innovation for one year. Its customers will have the option to receive product on the new pallets, the tracking technology for which can be utilized in their own supply chain, or continue using existing systems.
About Imperial Sugar
Imperial Sugar Company is one of the largest processors and marketers of refined sugar in the United States to food manufacturers, retail grocers and foodservice distributors. The Company markets products nationally under the Imperial(R), Dixie Crystals(R) and Holly(R) brands. For more information about Imperial Sugar, visit www.imperialsugar.com.
About iGPS
iGPS is the world's first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID-tags. Launched in March 2006, the company's management includes numerous pallet and supply-chain industry veterans, led by Bob Moore, chief executive officer, and Rex Lowe, president. iGPS (www.igps.net) is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., with offices in Dallas, New York and Bentonville, Arkansas.
