Event - Interface

A Kenco Case Study

More Than a Vendor

The Need For a Long-term Logistics Partner

Reaping the Benefits of Integrated Logistics

Inside the Partnership

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About Kenco

Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions including distribution and fulfillment, transportation management, material handling services, and supply chain technology—all engineered for operational excellence. With over 75 years of experience, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships through common-sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Visit KencoGroup.com to learn more.

Interface, Inc. is a global manufacturer of commercial flooring, including modular carpet tiles, luxury vinyl tile and nora® rubber flooring. Founded in 1973, Interface operates 6 manufacturing sites and employs over 3,600 employees around the world.

Kenco’s partnership with Interface started small, with a few focused solutions, like labor management and warehousing and distribution, but since then it has grown significantly thanks to ongoing performance improvements and cost savings. Beyond delivering positive ROI, Kenco has built a strong working relationship with Interface, growing their trust and confidence in Kenco with each new initiative.

Expanding the Partnership with the Acquisition of nora

In 2018, Interface acquired nora, a leader in rubber flooring. After the acquisition, the nora team continued to operate their New Hampshire-based distribution center for several years. Wanting to deliver a unified experience to customers, Interface transitioned management of the facility to Kenco in 2024 as part of the company’s One Interface strategy. This move allowed Interface to remain focused on its customers and demonstrated how much the company values its partnership with Kenco.

Kenco has consistently proven their agility to navigate any changes we’ve experienced at Interface over the years. We are confident in their ability to deliver results and help us solve tough challenges.

— Tripp Skinner, VP of Manufacturing – Americas

Improving labor efficiency and reducing spend

Automating carrier selection leads to savings

Leveraging new technologies for continuous improvement

Upleveling operations with Kenco O/S

How Kenco Became Interface’s Trusted Logistics Partner

In 2016, Interface opened a 370,000 square foot distribution center in Union City, Georgia. At the time, the company had never outsourced logistics operations, but their growing business put pressure on the team to find cost-effective ways to scale. That led them to search for a strategic supply chain partner, discovering Kenco through an RFP that included several other vendors.

Improving Labor Efficiency and Reducing Spend

One of the first initiatives was implementing a labor management system (LMS) and developing engineered labor standards (ELS) in the facility. These solutions empowered supervisors and managers to streamline processes, resolve bottlenecks, and foster staff development.

Automating Carrier Selection Leads to Savings

Prior to May 2023, Interface had taken a manual approach to choosing a carrier for each load. Once Kenco implemented MercuryGate’s Transportation Management System (TMS) for Interface, the software systematically determined and assigned the best carrier for the job. This decision to automate carrier selection instead of manually choosing one led to substantial annual savings for Interface.

Leveraging New Technologies for Continuous Improvement

Over the years, Kenco has implemented several new technologies for Interface with the goal of driving better outcomes from a quality, safety, productivity, or cost standpoint.

Improving Labor Efficiency and Reducing Spend

The foundation for all initiatives at the Union City facility has been the implementation of Kenco O/S, Kenco's proprietary operations methodology. Kenco O/S integrates best practices, data-driven decision-making, and Lean principles to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the supply chain. The framework guides how Kenco’s sites are run, and aims to improve outcomes in areas like productivity, safety, quality, and talent.

Since 2016, the implementation of Kenco O/S in the Union City facility has led to impressive results like:

A Few Notable Success Stories From the Partnership Over the Years

As a result of the effort, the site: Increased productivity by 21% within 12 months Generated significant operational efficiencies and savings Achieved measurable impact within the first few months of implementation

Welcome to Kenco's Labor Management System

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Welcome to Kenco's Operating System

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Because the Union City facility was a brand-new distribution center, the engagement began with the need to set up operations and staff it from the ground up. Kenco tackled this massive effort with their team member Chuck Hodges at the helm, a 30-year Kenco veteran who continues to serve as General Manager for the Interface business today.

Since integrating the Kenco Operating System and continuous improvement methodology at our Union City distribution center, we've definitely seen a positive impact. They are a true partner to Interface, and Kenco's dedication to driving performance and logistics success is clear.

—

Retaining talent has always been a challenge in our industry, but Kenco has been helping us embrace new technologies so we can always meet customer demands, even when there’s turnover.

— Brennen Salter, Director of Materials Management

Tripp Skinner, VP of Manufacturing – Americas

18%

Improvement in Productivity

5 5

Safety Score

SUBSTANTIAL

Annual Savings

100%

Employee Engagement

out of

Interface saw a 46% year-over-year decrease in claims, which they attribute to Kenco and LoadProof

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Brennen Salter, Director of Materials Management

Kenco possesses a customer-centric culture. They've always flexed to meet our needs and are like an extension of our internal team.

A significant cost-saving achievement came from implementing LoadProof, a photo documentation app developed by Kenco. When customers receive damaged products, the blame often falls somewhere in the supply chain, leading to complaints and expensive claims. LoadProof helps document the state of the product when it leaves the warehouse as proof of quality and proper loading.