Third-Party Toner Maker Chooses PFSweb for Outsourced Logistics

Published: December 12, 2006

by Alex Woodie

PFSweb, a fulfillment service provider that relies heavily on i5/OS software and technology, last week announced that it will provide logistics and order fulfillment services for Katun Canada, an "alternative" supplier of toner, drums, and other parts for name-brand printers, copiers, and multi-function devices.

Minneapolis-based Katun is the world's largest supplier of OEM-compatible imaging supplies, a multi-billion-dollar market that continues to grow. While many companies prefer to buy ink jets, toners, and other supplies directly from the manufacturer of their office equipment, Katun's success (it serves 19,000 customers in 170 countries, and had $300 million in sales in 2003) indicates that users are increasingly inclined to save money by going with third-party suppliers.

To help grow its business, Katun decided to outsource its Canadian supply chain activities to PFSweb, a Plano, Texas, company that has also served Pfizer, Raytheon Aircraft, and other name brands.

PFSweb will leverage its application software, including J.D. Edwards ERP software and its proprietary Entente Suite, to provide a full spectrum of supply chain services in support of Katun's entire Canadian operation. The services will include inventory management, fulfillment, distribution, traffic management, and returns processing, and will be based from PFSweb's distribution center near Toronto, Ontario.

Mike Willoughby, president of PFSweb, says his company is ready to serve the Katun Canada account. "PFSweb has extensive experience in the business consumables industry and we are excited to deliver our world-class level of service to Katun and Katun's customers," Willoughby says. "By entrusting these processes to PFSweb, we believe Katun will benefit from the application of our systems, processes, and efficiencies."