Westfalia’s Vice President of Automation awarded for contribution to global food supply chain
Westfalia Technologies, Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announces that Ryan Smith, Vice President of Automation, has been recognized as a 2022 Rockstar of the Supply Chain. Food Logistics recognized Smith for his key role in advancing the global food supply chain through the design of innovative automated warehousing systems.
The Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award recognizes the industry’s most influential people who work behind the scenes to shape the global cold food supply chain. Due to the pandemic, the food and beverage industry has completely changed for both consumers and companies alike. Despite the challenges of the last two years, Smith stands out as a leader in the food supply chain for his hard work and vision.
During his time at Westfalia, Smith has spearheaded initiatives to design automated warehousing systems that:
- Get orders to and from the loading dock faster, ultimately making the supply chain more efficient and solving critical problems facing today’s warehouses.
- Introduce an entry-level, hybrid system for industries or companies that need automation, but can’t afford to fully automate.
- Align with Westfalia’s mission to bring more autonomy to the U.S. automation market, allowing warehouses to solve critical problems with technology built in the U.S.
Smith commented, “I am honored to accept this award and to play a role in improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of food distribution centers and warehouses around the world. I believe in the importance of collaboration and building long-lasting relationships with customers, co-workers, and warehousing experts. It’s this mindset that will continue to move the supply chain—and Westfalia—forward for years to come.”
“Behind every great company is an even greater leader. And, the supply chain leaders receiving this award are no exception,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Within the last 18 months or so, the cold food chain has seen a lot of rock stars rise to the occasion. These rock stars developed platforms, integrated automation, and led teams through disruption after disruption. They’ve helped their companies pivot and adapt, and continue to do so with grace, agility, flexibility, and resilience. These rock stars are strong in so many ways. Congratulations to the true rock stars of the supply chain, who continue to keep the cold food chain moving.”
Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ Jan/Feb 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. For more information on the 2022 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award, click here.
