USA: Clif Bar Signs With OM2 to Manage Operations

Clif Bar Inc. has signed an agreement with OM2, a manufacturing management company based in California, to handle production and distribution of its energy bars marketed under the Clif Bar and Luna Bar brands. Under terms of the agreement signed this week, OM2 will manage shipments to retailers and distributors, oversee product manufacturing, and balance inventory levels between production and distribution channels. OM2 is also responsible for information management throughout the inventory cycle. OM2 will be responsible for integrated supply chain management functions on a day-to-day scale. The company will manage the procurement of materials, schedule production, manage inventory and oversee product manufacturing. "Clif Bar recognizes the value OM2 can provide by managing some of its outsourced functions, especially as the company continues to grow," says Rick Malmborg, managing partner at OM2. OM2 manages a variety of operational functions within the manufacturing supply chain cycle. The company typically procures material, manages production, and oversees the packaging and distribution process for a variety of industries including cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, housewares, electronics, small appliances, chemicals and food products. OM2 also supports new product introductions, including changes to product lines, point-of-purchase materials and a variety of sales and marketing support functions at the retail level. OM2 has grown quickly in recent years, especially since start-up companies and large conglomerates continue to cut costs and respond quickly to market conditions by outsourcing many of the functions throughout the supply chain.