Ariel Corporation Opens New Distribution Center

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ariel Corporation, the leading provider of reciprocating compressor solutions for the natural gas gathering and processing industries announced its opening last month of a new parts distribution center.  The 58,000 square foot facility will increase Ariel's order processing efficiency and is expected to be a vital link in the evolution of Ariel's new unit and aftermarket parts distribution network.

"This is one of many investments Ariel is making to provide even better support to our customers," said Alex Wright, Director of Aftermarket Operations. "We are always looking for ways to enhance our service offerings, and our new distribution facility will continue to promote Ariel's mission of helping our customers receive the best delivery support available."

The new distribution center, located near Ariel's world headquarters in Mount Vernon, Ohio, was designed to consolidate finished goods from several of Ariel's facilities – helping to reduce transportation costs for the company, while also increasing distribution efficiency and speed. The new distribution center also features offices for Ariel's Buyers, Spare Parts Technicians and supervisory staff.

"In recent years, Ariel's aftermarket business has experienced impressive annual growth, and we are set to continue this way for many years to come. It was obvious that the aftermarket growth was proof alone of how much we needed this new facility," said Pat Owens, Manager, Inventory and Logistics.

To meet this increasing demand, Ariel's Distribution Center features industry-leading equipment and material handling technology. This new technology includes new storage layouts, including a 7,000 square foot mezzanine to assist with vertical storage, a new storage unit for valves, a 6,000 location flow rack, a spiral conveyor, and mobile scanners for all employees.

This new order fulfillment system resulted in responsibility changes for Ariel's employees.

"Previously, we had one person responsible for an order from start to finish. With the move, we broke that one function into five primary functions – picking, packing, shipping, valve cell, and sub assembly. So now, we are able to increase the order fulfillment efficiency by streamlining the process," said Joe McDonald, Manager of Aftermarket Operations.

Although the distribution center started official operations two months ago, the benefits are already showing.

"Since the changeover, we've been able to maintain a consistent volume of orders. With that consistency we've also observed a more efficient operation through a combination of the new picking processes, material organization, and technologies," said Wright. "Another measurement was our on time percentage of spares orders – averaging 97 percent over the past six weeks."

In addition to the increase in efficiency, the new distribution center is also helping to maintain the standard Ariel has always represented: putting the customer first. "There is a big improvement in what we are showing the customer," said Owens.  "Because their business is so important to us, we invested into the distribution side by updating our technologies and processes to ensure that our end product and delivery are the best in the industry."

About Ariel:

Ariel Corporation is a World Class, American manufacturer of reciprocating compression solutions. Founded in 1966 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Ariel compressors are operated worldwide by the gas, oil, petrochemical and process industries. Ariel is recognized today as the world standard in gas compression and is shaping the future of the global compression industry by addressing emerging energy and environmental challenges.

For more information regarding Ariel, visit www.arielcorp.com

SOURCE Ariel Corporation

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