Rocky Brands consolidates distribution

Rocky Brands consolidates distribution Footwear maker Rocky Brands said it will close a leased facility in eastern Pennsylvania and consolidate distribution from a Corporately owned facility in Logan, Ohio.
   The decision to close the facility in Tunkhannock, Pa., near Scranton, is part of an effort to improve customer service and increase the company’s profitability, said Mike Brooks, chief executive officer.
   Kane Distribution will serve as third-party logistics partner to manage and operate the 20-dock, 196,000-square-foot facility in Logan, under a letter of intent signed by the two firms.
   “We’re excited about making these changes because of the positive impact it will have on our business,” Brooks said. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve service to our customers while driving cost out of our supply chain. Consolidating our warehouses and taking advantage of Kane Distribution’s expertise will also allow us to maximize the utilization of our Logan warehouse, where we expect to ship 5 million pair in 2008.”
   The transition process is projected to be complete by Jan. 1
   The company sells shoes and boots under the names ROCKY, Durango, Georgia Boot, Zumfoot and Lehigh Safety Shoes, and manufactures products under the licensed brands of Dickies Footwear, Michelin and Barclay After Six.