Kimberly-Clark (K-C) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of paper-based products, including tissues, towels, and diapers with well-known brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott. MAU Workforce Solutions has been a trusted partner of Kimberly-Clark since 1977, providing staffing, recruiting, and outsourcing solutions to support the company’s manufacturing and supply chain workforce. MAU is a 50-year-old pioneer in industrial workforce solutions serving some of the world’s premier manufacturers and distributors. Beyond filling workforce roles, MAU's commitment to going above and beyond for its clients has led to significant contributions to technological advancement and operational efficiency in K-C’s manufacturing and supply chain organizations.
In 2007, Kimberly-Clark made a strategic decision to transition the responsibility for SAP supply chain solutions training from its internal team to third-party partners. The training was crucial for the successful implementation of SAP's Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) system, which was set to revolutionize K-C's warehouse management and overall supply chain efficiency. As a pivotal partner for Kimberly-Clark, MAU was asked to support the initiative.
One of MAU’s key operational managers – with nearly twenty years dedicated to the Kimberly-Clark relationship – was focused on systems and material flow as well as continuous improvement initiatives, leading a team of roughly 120 employees to deliver on key warehouse and logistics metrics. In addition to his “in-scope” duties, this MAU manager - with deep expertise in SAP and a thorough understanding of K-C's operational needs - stepped up to help develop and lead the manufacturer’s SAP EWM training initiative.
Following a comprehensive SAP Train-the-Trainer session at K-C's corporate headquarters in Neenah, Wisconsin, the MAU manager was instrumental in the implementation of SAP’s EWM system at K-C's Beech Island facility, where he spearheaded user acceptance training and go-live support. His success at Beech Island led to K-C requesting his assistance at other locations, including Jenks, Oklahoma; Paris, Texas; Ogden, Utah; and its Neenah, Wisconsin Cold Springs facilities. At each site, MAU provided invaluable support, training employees, and troubleshooting issues during the critical go-live phase, significantly reducing system downtime, and ensuring a seamless transition to the new SAP environment.
At each location, the MAU provided invaluable support, training employees, and troubleshooting issues during the critical go-live phase. In addition, MAU has since deployed additional skilled professionals to assist with SAP implementations and training at various K-C facilities, further demonstrating MAU's commitment to supporting client success.
The collaboration between MAU and Kimberly-Clark yielded significant results.
The SAP training and support provided by the MAU team led to the successful implementation of the EWM system which, in turn, enhanced K-C's warehouse management capabilities, improved inventory accuracy, and reduced machine downtime. For instance, at K-C’s Beech Island, SC facility, the downtime was reduced 67%. MAU's efforts have also helped K-C improve inventory accuracy and reduce shipping errors. For example, at K-C's Berkeley Mills in Hendersonville, NC, shipping errors were reduced by over 90% within the first year of MAU's involvement.
The partnership between MAU Workforce Solutions and Kimberly-Clark exemplifies how dedication, expertise, and a willingness to exceed expectations can lead to transformative results. Going above and beyond its original mandate, MAU’s leadership in SAP EWM training and support has not only strengthened the contributed to K-C's continued success in optimizing its supply chain and warehouse management processes.
At K-C's Beech Island facility, downtime was reduced 67%. At Berkeley Mills in Hendersonville, NC, shipping errors were reduced by over 90% within the first year of MAU's involvement.
