News

Arby's recognizes top suppliers

September 25, 2014

Arby's Restaurant Group and ARCOP, the company's supply chain coop, have recognized seven partners with the Red Hat Supplier Awards during its annual franchise convention last weekend in Las Vegas.

Awards are given to Arby's suppliers who have "provided superior levels of service and support to the Arby's system," according to a news release.

"The Red Hat Supplier Achievement Awards recognize high-level achievement of a select group of suppliers who exceed Arby's expectations during their service to the brand. These suppliers raise the bar in many ways, with each award winner playing a critical role in delivering superior quality, service, competitiveness and innovation to the Arby's system," ARCOP President David Cox said in the release.

Awards went to:

1. The Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award for Distribution Center of the Year went to Willow Run Foods. This is Willow Run's third consecutive Red Hat Award.
2. The Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award in the category of food supply was given to Sadler's Smokehouse. The partnership was established in 2013, with Sadler's Smokehouse's development of the brand's Smokehouse Brisket menu line. Arby's said this is one of the most successful product launches to date.
3. Allen Industries, an Arby's signage partner for more than 14 years, received a Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award for its role in designing and manufacturing the new "Inspire Image" signage package for Arby's. This new signage package is now featured in all of Arby's 2014 "Inspire" Remodels and New Store Designs.
4. Design Team Sign Company received a Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award for finding solutions to the brand's signage needs. The company has integrated and grown its business within the Arby's franchise system.
5. Bagcraft Papercon received its Red Hat Award for its support of production requests with short lead times, rushing the order of raw packaging materials, and development assistance for new packaging products that support the marketing calendar, the release said. The company also provided seamless support for Arby's graphics changes and substrate changes on more than 10 SKU's in 2014.
6. InterMetro Industries Corporation has been named a Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award winner in the equipment category for its shelving concepts that have resolved space and storage issues. Its Work Smart platform has also significantly increased Arby's speed of service and helped to reduce costs compared to standard stainless and millwork counter options.
7. Marshall Air Systems Inc. received a Red Hat Supplier Achievement Award for its kitchen equipment solutions, as well, in particular the development of a new custom fry dump station that improves temperature for Arby's curly fries. The station has also provided a reduction in costs, allowing more restaurant operators the opportunity to purchase the new spec.