The Philippine Star

SM Distributi­on Center propels greater market access in regions

- By RICHMOND MERCURIO

SM Investment­s Corp. (SMIC) continues to provide greater market access in the regions through the SM Distributi­on Center.

The 70,000-square meter SM Distributi­on Center, which started from a small warehouse in Echague, Manila, currently serves the customers of 75 SM Store branches nationwide, with the bulk of the distributi­on or nearly 70 percent consisting of provincial stores.

SMIC president and CEO Frederic DyBuncio said the SM Distributi­on Center provides reliabilit­y of the supply chain, which is essential to sustained economic activity.

“Aligned with SM Group’s commitment to grow and enable areas outside of the NCR, coupled with today’s rising consumer demand and expectatio­ns, efficient logistics is critical in creating a delightful supplier or partner and customer experience,” he said.

The facility leverages innovative technologi­es to further enhance services and support businesses of all sizes.

From 210 suppliers in 2004, the SM Distributi­on Center currently serves and supports 2,100 suppliers.

Through the distributi­on center, the SM Group is able to deliver all the needs of its stores, making products available in all areas.

SM Retail vice president Tim Gohoc said that through a collaborat­ion with micro, small and medium enterprise­s, customers and logistics partners, the group aspires to create a seamless and ecofriendl­y supply chain network that minimizes environmen­tal impact while maximizing operationa­l efficiency.

“Product availabili­ty in markets is achieved by prioritizi­ng efficiency, accountabi­lity and security, implementi­ng processes that safeguard the goods we handle benefiting both SM suppliers and SM customers,” said Gohoc, who is currently managing the SM Distributi­on Center.

SMIC is a conglomera­te led by the Sy family whose core businesses are in retail, banking and property.

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