Crane Merchandising Systems, a division of Crane Co., has announced that it will close its St. Louis area manufacturing facility in order to consolidate its vending equipment manufacturing operations in Williston, SC.
Following the October 2006 acquisition of Dixie-Narco, the Company has been aggressively driving continuous improvement actions and productivity initiatives across both of its large North American manufacturing facilities as part of Crane Co’s Operational Excellence program. This plant consolidation will facilitate additional operating synergies by establishing a manufacturing supercentre capable of producing any type of vending or foodservice dispensing equipment ranging from cold and hot beverage machines to food, snack and combination product merchandisers.
The consolidation will occur in phases; Crane’s high standards for product quality and delivery metrics will not be compromised; the transition will not be disruptive to current business activity; and all sales, service and supplier points of contact will remain unchanged. Orders for machines and parts will be submitted through the same channels and will be processed as they had been previously with no changes.
Brad Ellis, President of Crane Merchandising Systems said, “In spite of all the strategic and economic advantages associated with this consolidation, this has been a most difficult decision. We have many long term, dedicated employees in St. Louis and we sincerely regret the impact this action may have on their lives”.
Crane Merchandising Systems will maintain its headquarters in St. Louis that will include sales, marketing, engineering, procurement and administrative functions which will remain unchanged.
