News Blip:
Robert Weed Grows Out of Plywood Staple
RV Part Supplier Robert Weed Corporation Has Rebranded To Reflect Its Services To RV OEMs Other Than Paneling Such As Countertops, Drawer Sides, Doors & Supply Chain Support.
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved through RVBusiness' website via Google.
A pillar of the RV industry since 1966, Robert Weed Plywood Corp. has been rebranded as Robert Weed Corp. According to Will Weed, chief revenue officer, the new corporate name recognizes the diversification of materials the company supplies to RV OEMs and the new “customized service” supply chain support it provides. They are a RV parts distribution and supply center with headquarters in Bristol, Indiana. “First and foremost we have alleviated ourselves of the word plywood from our business name,” said Weed, whose 400-employee, Bristol, Indiana-based firm also operates two Idaho locations. Robert Weed Is more than just paneling or plywood products, expanding out to provide service to RV manufacturers. The new Robert Weed Corp. now handles countertops, cabinet components, shelving, drawer sides, doors, rack items and other products like sheet goods.
He said the new corporate tagline, “One Step Ahead” refers to the company’s new goal to become a strategic partner. “We want to be the most strategic partner in our customer’s supply chain,” he said. "So rather than just selling and supplying products, this year we are selling our ability to partner with our customers so that they are not negatively impacted by shortages of materials and can continue production uninterrupted." Weed noted that an industry-wide shortage currently facing RV OEMs or original equipment manufacturers is with Meranti (lauan) plywood. “There’s a huge shortage right now,” said Weed. "It’s been brewing for well over three months. It looks like Indonesia is going to reduce their concessions by 20% in 2018. This is where being a strategic partner with our customers matters. We’ve been able to work with our importers and our mills to make sure that we get material. We’ve also offered our customers alternative products." Weed explained that working closely with customers to plan and forecast production needs, along with having long-term relationships with many of its vendors, has resulted in the company’s ability to create a sustainable supply chain. “What we are now selling is that total supply chain value,” he said. “So, it’s not only a good price for the panel or countertop, it’s also the fact that we can anticipate what our customer will be running so they continue production uninterrupted and can focus on what they do best — manufacturing.” Weed notes they are truly a different company as opposed to basic RV supply. He is actively looking into corporate expansion moves in other parts of the country to better service their customer base. “We’ve become more competitive. We can work with our business partners, or we can work on the commodity side of the market as well."
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