ATLANTA, Ga. - - Drivetrain experts Meritor are soon to be Meritor the 3PL pros.

Citing a number of core competencies, Craig Cartmill, general manager, Worldwide Aftermarket Operations, told a 3PL conference here this week that Meritor Aftermarket Services will launch first in North America and then expand globally over the next several years.

It only makes sense, he said, seeing as Meritor has long proved its mettle when it comes to packaging and kitting, material planning, warehousing, distribution, customer support and consulting services.

“A number of manufacturers are seeking smart, efficient aftermarket 3PL capabilities,” he said.

“By fully understanding our depth of warehouse, inventory, and distribution processes -- serving nearly 6,000 customers and shipping over 7,000 lines daily, we’re augmenting that with a fully-implemented lean distribution and supply-chain system.

This new business, featuring voice-activated parts-order-picking, will launch in October.

Paul Nyers, manager-Sales, and Jason Kraus, manager-Business Development, will lead the global market strategy implementation

Among its promises, Meritor includes:

• Distribution operations driven by “lean processes” and a culture that deliver cost-saving services;

• Advanced demand-forecasting and safety stock techniques that promote customer loyalty and market share through high fill-rates and service levels;

• Capacity to assemble complex kits and deploy highly automated packaging equipment to ensure worry-free shipments and attractive branding at points-of-purchase;

• Improvement in inventory turnover through methods such as high-velocity picking zones;

• A comprehensive reman capability, supplying a broad portfolio of commercial vehicle components and industrial products;

• DCs in China, India, Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil, as well as the United States and Canada and six remanufacturing centers around the globe.

“Our business system and technology helps our customers reduce costs by maximizing productivity while improving service levels,” added Cartmill.