Table of contentS

Introduction 3
GREENING THE SUPPLY CHAIN 4
EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT AND BENEFITS 5
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT 5
SOURCING DECISIONS 6
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS 7
FORECASTING 8
PURCHASING SYSTEM: CENTRALIZED/DECENTRALIZED 9
CONTINUES IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITY AND CULTURE (KAIZEN) 10
FACILITY LOCATION 12
ERP systems 14
RFID tagging 15
Juran’s way 16
Appendices 19
References 21

Introduction
Lipman Produce is a leading producer and distributor of fresh vegetables and fruits, specializing in tomatoes. It is the largest field tomato grower in North America, and operates through a vertically integrated network of research & development, farming, processing, repacking and procurement. The company packs an average of 15 million boxes of tomatoes each year, including Cherry, Florida Silk, Vintage Ripe, Garden Jewel and Roma varieties. In addition to tomatoes, Lipman also packs and ships cucumbers, melons, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, and squash. Its customers include wholesale, retail, and foodservice customers. The company is owned and operated by the Lipman family; and is based in Immokalee, Florida. It was founded over eight decades ago by Max Lipman, and was originally called Six L’s Packing Company Inc. Even though it has been re-branded, its core values have always remained the same: “Building lasting relationships with our customers, being responsible with our natural resources and the health and wellbeing of our people and families” (Lipman Corporation, 2011). Lipman commands a large percentage (12%) of the $1.28 billion tomato industry and employs approximately 4,000 workers in 22 locations throughout North America. It has seasonal operations in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California. As a leading supplier of fresh tomatoes and vegetables, Lipman Produce has evolved into the largest integrated