Smithfield Foods Executive Earns National Supply Chain Award
Chris Lahti Recognized for Supply Chain Optimization Efforts
SMITHFIELD, Va., March 22, 2019 /3BL Media/ — Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announced that Chris Lahti, vice president of distribution, has been named a “Rock Star of the Supply Chain” by Food Logistics magazine. The award recognizes champions in the global food and beverage supply chain industry whose achievements, hard work, and vision have shaped and attained milestones in safety, efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Lahti received this honor for his efforts and his team’s role in supply chain consolidation initiatives within the company, which resulted in significant operational, sustainability, and economic benefits.
“It is an honor to receive this award and to be recognized as a leader in supply chain operations,” said Lahti. “It is extrememly gratifying that our efforts to streamline our supply chain and logistics network have also allowed us to meet our goals and deliver on our promise to produce good food in a responsible way. I am proud to be part of a team that is constantly seeking innovative solutions and know these fresh ideas will pay dividends far into the future.”
As vice president of distribution, Lahti oversees distribution and supply chain strategy for Smithfield. Lahti has more than 25 years of experience in all facets of supply chain and logistics operations and played an important role in streamlining the global food company’s supply chain and logistics network. Lahti’s extensive industry knowledge and approach to problem solving has enabled him to play a leading role in optimizing Smithfield’s supply chain operations to ensure maximum efficiency, enhance customer service, and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. In 2017, Smithfield’s overall supply chain consolidation efforts lowered costs by $29 million, reduced the distance the company’s fleet traveled by 147,000 miles, cut fuel use by more than 17,200 gallons, and cut the company’s carbon footprint by 168 tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
“With Chris’s leadership of our supply chain efforts, Smithfield has made extensive progress toward reducing complexities within our operations, which continues to have a positive impact on our business and the environment,” said Scott Saunders, Executive Vice President, U.S. Supply Chain for Smithfield Foods. “His unrelenting pursuit of operational excellence makes him a true rock star of the supply chain, and we are proud he has been recognized.”
The 2019 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain honorees were determined by Food Logistics’ editorial staff and advisory board, and are showcased in the magazine’s March 2019 issue.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan’s Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, Farmer John®, Kretschmar®, John Morrell®, Cook’s®, Gwaltney®, Carando®, Margherita®, Curly’s®, Healthy Ones®, Morliny®, Krakus®, and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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