GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) June 16, 2015 — Ranir, a global leader in store brand consumer oral and personal health care products, today announced it has expanded its manufacturing line to bring current overseas production to the U.S., aligning with Walmart’s “Made in USA” initiative. Ranir and Walmart are hosting a ribbon-cutting and factory tour of Ranir’s headquarters in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate the new “Made in USA” program.
This significant investment and addition of equipment enables Ranir to bring the monthly production of 400,000 power toothbrush heads back from China to Michigan, building on Ranir and Walmart’s shared commitment to “Made in USA” manufacturing. The new production equipment covers a 7,500-square foot area at Ranir’s headquarters. Initially, the machinery will produce power tooth brush heads and other manual tooth brushes.
“We believe in American ingenuity, manufacturing and innovation, and at a value that must be globally competitive. The United States is positioned to benefit from manufacturers looking to increase regionalization and Ranir’s collaboration with Walmart builds on our shared priority that moving manufacturing to the U.S. is good for business and the country,” said Ranir CEO Christine Henisee. “Our mission is to help retailers win with their consumers by providing quality products, outstanding customer service, innovation, and exceptional value. Increased U.S.-based design and manufacturing helps us deliver on all of those commitments.”
Ranir has been manufacturing in the US since its inception and the Company is applying this same philosophy in Europe. The business’ success in increasing U.S. manufacturing and bringing back off shore manufacturing dates back several years, when Ranir recognized that market forces would make domestic manufacturing an important opportunity for the business and customers. As a result, Ranir’s team developed a comprehensive growth plan that includes a strong commitment to US-based product design and manufacturing. Wal-Mart had also been working to prioritize U.S. processes, and their initiative to buy an additional $250 billion in US-made products timed out well with Ranir’s plans.
The new production is intended to retain the same quality and cost structure, yet decrease lead times and provide better flexibility to customers. By making and selling in the United States, Ranir has been able to simplify its supply chain and accelerate speed to market.
“The American-made philosophy is a core value at Walmart that offers a unique win for us and our customers. We have been working to prioritize U.S. manufacturing with our initiative to buy an additional $250 billion in U.S.-made products by 2023,” said Joe Quinn, senior director of public affairs and government relations, Walmart U.S. “We proudly support businesses who create opportunities for the American workforce and bring back the high-quality manufacturing processes our country was built on.”
The Walmart “Made in USA” program is an initiative that teams the Company with select key vendors to bring production of Walmart products to the United States. The goal of the program is to prioritize U.S. manufacturing to buy an additional $250 billion in U.S.-made products by 2023.
Following brief comments from Ranir and Walmart personnel and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the event will feature a factory tour of Ranir’s latest manufacturing equipment and capabilities. Media kits with high resolution photos and video b-roll will be available. All tour participants must wear closed toed shoes in the facility.
To RSVP and for more information regarding the June 16 event, please contact Leena Sullivan at (616) 698-8880 ext. 1250 or by email at leena.sullivan@ranir.com. For media registration and interview availability, please contact Amanda Passage at (616) 233-0500 or by email at apassage@lambert-edwards.com.
About Ranir
Ranir is a leading global manufacturer of store brand private label consumer oral and personal care products, including power and manual toothbrushes, teeth whiteners, dental floss and flossers, interdental devices, night protectors and cold sore treatments. Founded in 1979, Grand Rapids, Michigan -based Ranir serves retail customers globally and was named one of West Michigan’s “101 Best and Brightest Companies To Work For™” in 2014. Its products, including some of the world’s largest oral care brands, can be found at major retailers in more than 40 countries. The technology-and development-focused company also owns, manufactures and markets the Plackers® brand and proudly employs more than 700 associates worldwide. For more information, visit www.ranir.com.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, we serve nearly 260 million customers who visit our 11,462 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2015 revenue of $486 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
Media Contact:
Amanda Passage
616-233-0500
apassage@lambert-edwards.com
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