S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, has scaled up its partnership with Körber Supply Chain Software and Geek+ Robotics to optimize warehouse operations in Reno, Nevada, and Reading, Pennsylvania, with the roll-out of autonomous robotic picking solutions.

• S&S has introduced more than 200 robots to both its 800,000-square-foot facility in Reno and its 650,000-square-foot warehouse in Reading. Both distribution centers house 2,750 racks storing 110,000 totes. The Reno facility’s automation system debuted in the summer, followed by Reading in the fall. Both facilities are now operating at full capacity. The deployment of the new system – first introduced at S&S’s Lockport, Illinois, warehouse earlier this year – will increase the speed and accuracy of customer orders.
• The company’s implementation was recently honored with the NextGen End User Award for Robotics. S&S was also named to Inc.’s Best in Business 2024 list for Operational Excellence. S&S plans to roll out the automation system in more distribution centers in 2025.

“Since deploying the PopPick system in our Illinois distribution center, we’ve not only seen production rates jump from 40 picks per hour to 150 picks per hour and a drastic increase in picking accuracy, but turnover has also decreased by 75 percent as many of the typical warehouse safety risks have been reduced or eliminated,” says Brian Beale, CTO of S&S Activewear. “We expect to see similar results as we integrate the PopPick system into our operations at our Reno and Reading facilities.”

Garyline (PPAI, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 27 supplier, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Florida. The 62-year-old supplier completed its move from New York to Florida in August.

• The new facility operates three shifts with all stages of the manufacturing process – molding, warehousing, printing and assembly – located under one roof to ensure faster turnaround times and enhanced production capabilities.
• Advanced machinery housed at the new facility includes injection molding, extrusion blow molding and stretch blow molding machines, along with cutting-edge printing technologies such as UV silk screening, digital printing and laser etching. With more than six miles of pallet racking, the company can better manage large-scale production, warehousing and assembly, all under one roof.
• Along with greater production capabilities, the new facility also integrates eco-friendly practices, from using recycled materials to adopting energy-efficient manufacturing methods.

“We are incredibly excited to open this new facility, which represents the next chapter of growth and innovation for Garyline,” says Richard Hellinger, CEO of Garyline. “Our mission has always been to provide businesses with top-tier promotional products that help elevate their brands, and this new facility allows us to expand our offerings and continue to deliver the high-quality products our clients have come to expect from us.”

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 3 distributor, has landed the 121st spot on the Franchise Times Top 400 list. The Franchise Times Top 400 is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global system wide sales.

• The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort to create the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.
• This year’s ranking shows a significant jump from 2020 when the distributor ranked 158th.

“Proforma has experienced continuous, sustainable growth in recent years, a trend we expect to see continue,” says Meg Erber, Proforma director of sales. “Between steady sales numbers, our industry-leading ecommerce platform which now hosts more than 12,000 stores, and the launch of a revolutionary new M&A initiative, we are in a very strong position heading into 2025 and beyond.”

Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 74 supplier, has been certified by SCS Global Services to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.

• Receiving the FSC Chain of Custody Certification in July is an important step forward in the nearly 100-year-old company’s sustainability journey.
• Warwick manufacturers primarily paper products in its St. Charles facility and works with local recycling plants to responsibly process manufacturing waste.

“Our team has put in a lot of work for our company to achieve FSC Chain of Custody Certification,” says Alex Paschal, fifth generation co-owner and president of Warwick, “and we’re excited to finally have our first real feather in our cap in regard to responsible sourcing. We have an obligation as a commercial printer to enable sustainable and responsible product sourcing, and I’m incredibly proud of our team for working together to bring this to fruition.”

Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 43 supplier, has been named a 2024 Minnesota Keystone Honored Company by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber.

• The prestigious award celebrates businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities through innovative giving programs. Selected businesses donate at least 2%-5% of their pre-tax earnings to the community through volunteerism, in-kind contributions or financial support.
• The Eagan, Minnesota-based supplier was one of three companies honored during the 48th Annual Minnesota Keystone Luncheon held on December 4.
• Storm Creek’s initiatives include its goal of donating $5 million to charity by 2030 and its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

“Our mission at Storm Creek has always gone beyond creating high-quality apparel; it’s about making a difference,” says CEO Teresa Fudenberg. “Being recognized as a Minnesota Keystone Honored Company is a testament to our team’s passion for giving back and seeking better. It also goes to show that no matter how small you are you can still have a big impact.”

Supplier ZZ Promos (PPAI 524441, Silver) has relocated to new offices at 2520 Continental Avenue in El Monte, California. The phone remains the same: 626-452-1960.

• The larger and improved space allows for expanded order fulfillment services.