JTM Food Group Takes 1st Place at Cincinnati Regional LogistXGames

HARRISON, OH, September 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) As one of the country's leading food manufacturers and one of Greater Cincinnati's fastest growing private companies, JTM Food Group is committed to excellence in every aspect of its business. This past week, the JTM team showcased its skills in logistics and distribution at the Cincinnati Regional LogistXGames competition, finishing first in box design and pallet jack relay and securing their place at the National LogistXGames in Louisville on September 28.

Started in Louisville in 2007, the LogistXGames are a unique annual competition designed to promote the logistics industry and its professionals. It is also an opportunity for local and regional companies to build employee pride, establish teamwork principles, and reinforce the safety standards vital to the industry.

"This is our third year participating in the games, and we really look forward to them," said Paul Burton, Transportation Director for JTM Food Group. "It's such a unique opportunity to shine a light on some very important parts of our business that don't usually make the headlines. Logistics, warehousing and distribution are critical to the success of JTM and we take a lot of pride in setting a high standard in those areas."

The LogistXGames consist of a series of events in which teams compete to claim the ultimate prize: The Golden Pallet. In 2010, the Games expanded to include regional competitions in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. In 2011, the Games expanded to Atlanta. Later this month, the top teams from each market - including JTM - will travel to Louisville to compete in the Global LogistXGames for top bragging rights.

JTM competed with eleven other companies in the Cincinnati regional, including teams from Home Depot (3 teams), Kohl's, NFI Distribution, Verst Group, Triplefin, Hay Needle, Promas Automotive, Cornerstone brands and SwimOutlet.com.
The Games include four events:
• The Pallet Puzzle Sprint: A team of three assembles and places 32 different-sized boxes on a pallet. The team with the quickest assembly and stacking time wins.
• Pallet Jack Relay: Using a pallet jack, 3-person teams run their pallet through an obstacle course. Teams must complete the obstacle course with all boxes on the pallet.
• Pick Pack Hurdle: A 3-person team moves its boxes from its pallet to a warehouse racking system while memorizing both positions and SKUs.
• Box Put: Teams will have packed one special box, during the Pallet Puzzle Sprint, with bottled Kentucky spirits using provided packing material. One team member will then throw the box for distance without breaking the contents.

JTM's LogistXGames team members include Valerie Wandstrat, Cory Lasocker, Rick McRoberts, Ed Browning, Billy Gramann and John Coliflower.

About JTM Food Group
Family-owned and operated since 1980, JTM Food Group specializes in menu solutions that deliver great-tasting, fully cooked, better for you foods that yield superior results for the food service industry. JTM invites food service operators to work with the company to create great dishes together. Focused on customer service, quality and innovation, J.T.M. serves thousands of schools, restaurants, military and government organizations, and food distributors and retailers throughout North America. For more information, visit http://www.JTMFoodGroup.com.