The industrial belt and hose distributor that opened for business in 1869 bears little resemblance to the 6-Sigma supply chain management firm of today. Over those 140 years, we’ve changed to meet the needs of our manufacturing clients. From a national industrial supply distributor, we’ve shifted to become a supply chain manager, dedicated to service and focused on coordinating the relationships between customers and suppliers worldwide.
Based in Chicago, W.D. Allen grew to become of the nation’s largest industrial distributors by the late 1950s. By 1965, under owner John Klein, more and more emphasis was placed on local and regional distribution. Our company also moved into new headquarters in Niles, Illinois.
When Ken Everett took the reins at W.D. Allen in 1987, the manufacturing and supply chain was undergoing fundamental change. JIT logistics, new global networks of suppliers and increasing competition required more efficient coordination and service in supply chain relationships. Ken made the strategic decision to shift the nature of our business—from distribution to supply chain management. He focused on the service added to the product, rather than simply selling the product. This decision has led to the dramatic growth of our company over the past 19 years. And it has shaped who we are today.
In 1987, W.D. Allen was named a “Certified Supplier” to Caterpillar, Inc., becoming the first non-manufacturing supplier to receive this distinction from any American O.E.M. In 1998, we relocated to Crystal Lake, Illinois, to remain near our major customers and the Chicago area transportation hub.
In September 2002, we were registered QS-9000:1998 and by May, 2009, we were certified to ISO 9001:2008. Starting in January, 2005, our first dedicated staff Black Belt was deployed as W.D. Allen fully embraced 6 Sigma. A second Black Belt was deployed in 2008.
In 2002, W.D. Allen Ltd. was formed in Worcester, UK to better serve the European Community. The two companies now work together to seamlessly coordinate the global supply and service between customers and suppliers.
Today, our belief in value-added service is what fuels our company. We’ve been a pioneer in the field of Supply Chain Management. And that spirit still drives us as we look for global opportunities and the most effective resource management tools for our clients. With a proven track record of outstanding service, we forge strong partnerships with our customers, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of material, plus fully compliant packaging, data and quality systems.
