Posted 2-29-24

Warehouse Services Inc. was recently named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Indiana. This marks the 19th edition of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce initiative.

The statewide survey and awards program is designed to evaluate participating organizations and honor those with the highest levels of employee satisfaction and engagement in the workplace.

“The honored companies offer a blueprint for employee attraction and retention, and we are excited to celebrate their success. We hope the values and strategies on display in their workplaces can serve as models for other Indiana employers as we work together to address Indiana’s talent pipeline needs,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

- Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government organization;

- Be a publicly or privately held organization;

- Have a physical operation in Indiana;

- Have at least 15 full- or part-time permanent employees working in Indiana;

- Have been in business for at least one year, at the program registration deadline.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Indiana. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process, the Employer Assessment, was worth approximately 20% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process, the Employee Feedback Survey, was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Workforce Research Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Indiana, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.

The final rankings will be announced at an awards ceremony May 8, 2024, and then published in the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine after the event.

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Indiana program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkIndiana.com.

Posted 2-28-24

Executive Summary

Warehouse Services, Inc. (WSI) is a leading logistics company that specializes in providing warehousing, distribution, and supply chain solutions across 19 states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. As an EcoVadis, bronze certificate company, WSI is committed to creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. This white paper explores WSI's initiatives and strategies towards sustainability, highlighting their efforts to minimize their environmental footprint, promote responsible practices, and contribute to a greener future.

Click here to download the White Paper.

Abstract:

This white paper overviews Warehouse Services, Inc. (WSI), a leading supply chain company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. With a workforce of 4,500 employees operating across nineteen states and two Canadian provinces, WSI offers a wide range of warehouse and transportation services. The company boasts an impressive fleet of over 900 trucks and 5,000 trailers, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of goods. WSI holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001 certifications and an EcoVadis bronze certificate, highlighting its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. Additionally, WSI is proud to be a WBE-certified business, promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

1. Introduction:

Warehouse Services, Inc. (WSI) is a premier supply chain provider dedicated to delivering exceptional warehouse and transportation services. With its headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, and its operating headquarters in Mount Vernon, Indiana, WSI has established a strong presence in the industry, serving clients across various sectors.

2. Company Overview:

2.1 Headquarters and Operational Reach:

WSI's head office is in Greenville, South Carolina, strategically positioned to serve clients nationwide. With operations spanning nineteen states and two Canadian provinces, WSI ensures efficient and reliable supply chain solutions throughout North America.

2.2 Workforce:

WSI prides itself on its dedicated team of 4,500 employees who are experts in providing top-notch supply chain services. The company fosters a culture of professionalism, expertise, and customer-centricity, ensuring client satisfaction at every step.

3. Fleet Strength:

WSI maintains a robust asset-based fleet comprising over 900 trucks and 5,000 trailers. This extensive fleet enables the company to manage diverse transportation requirements efficiently. The well-maintained vehicles and advanced tracking systems ensure reliable and timely delivery of goods.

4. Certifications and Accreditations:

4.1 ISO 9001 and ISO 45001:

WSI has attained ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications, underscoring its commitment to quality management and occupational health and safety. These certifications ensure that WSI adheres to international standards, providing clients with reliable and consistent services.

4.2 EcoVadis Bronze Certificate: 

WSI was awarded the EcoVadis bronze certificate, recognizing its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. By integrating environmentally conscious initiatives into its operations, WSI actively contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

5. Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification:

WSI is proud to be a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE). This certification reflects the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion within the supply chain industry. WSI actively promotes opportunities for women-owned businesses, fostering economic growth and equality.

6. Services Offered:

• WSI offers a comprehensive range of warehouse and transportation services, including:
• Warehousing and Distribution: WSI provides secure and efficient warehousing solutions tailored to clients' specific needs, ensuring the smooth flow of goods.
• Transportation and Supply Chain: With its extensive fleet and experienced drivers, WSI offers reliable and cost-effective transportation services, managing complex supply chain requirements.}
• Inventory/Warehouse Management: WSI employs advanced inventory management systems, "PRISM," that enable accurate tracking, optimization, and real-time reporting for efficient inventory control from receipt to shipment.
• Contract Manufacturing: Providing custom compounding of engineered plastics to manufacturing golf balls for the golf industry, WSI can provide Six Sigma database solutions.
• Value-Added Services: WSI provides value-added services to support your distribution needs such as embroidery, packaging and repackaging, assembly, co-packaging, optical sortation, and reverse logistics, just to name a few.

7. Conclusion

Warehouse Services, Inc. (WSI) is a leading supply chain company with a strong presence in the industry. With its headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, and a workforce of 4,500 employees operating in nineteen states and two Canadian provinces, WSI offers exceptional warehouse and transportation services. The company's extensive fleet, ISO certifications, EcoVadis bronze certificate, and WBE certification highlight its dedication to safety, quality, productivity, sustainability, and diversity. As WSI continues to expand its operations, it remains committed to exceeding client expectations and driving innovation in the supply chain sector.

For more information about WSI and its services, please visit www.warehouseservices.com.

Mount Vernon, Indiana, January 30, 2024 –

Weather conditions have failed to slow the progress of the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreational community garden construction. Sabic, in collaboration with its contract partners WSI and BMWC, actively supported the parks department through volunteer labor and material provision.

Located at 611 West 8th Street, Mount Vernon, Indiana, next to the Posey County Council on Aging, this community garden project has been a collective endeavor. Sabic facilitated the acquisition of the fence, which was installed by BMWC. WSI played a role by purchasing the yard barn for material storage.

As temperatures rise, plans include the construction of raised beds, funded by AstraZeneca. Volunteer teams will be enlisted to help with filling the beds with compost and creating rock walking paths.

The Mount Vernon High School AG/FFA class will take charge of planting all the garden produce. The garden's layout will feature a combination of raised beds and tillable crops, with flowers in the surrounding areas. WSI is proud to be a part of this spectacular community endeavor.

About Warehouse Services Inc.

Warehouse Services Inc. is a privately held warehouse services and transportation company and third-party logistics provider with corporate headquarters in Piedmont, South Carolina. It has been in business since 1986 and has averaged 16% growth since its inception. The company operates in 19 states and Canada, manages more than 20 million square feet and employs over 4,000 employees.

Greenville, SC, September 28, 2023 – Warehouse Services Inc. (“WSI”), a privately held nationwide 3PL, offering warehousing, transportation and value-added logistics services, announced it has acquired privately held El Paso, TX based Sky Trans Group Holdings, LLC (“Sky Transportation Services”).  Sky Transportation Services is a regional truckload carrier focused 100% on dry-van freight movements principally in the Southwestern US, including cross-border trade between the US and Mexico.

The deal is expected to add over $60 million in annual revenue to WSI in 2023 and will enhance WSI’s US to Mexico cross-border capabilities.

“Sky is a great extension of our geographic footprint,” said Barry Cox, President of WSI. “The company provides greater density for us in key markets and very importantly it provides a meaningful expansion of capabilities across the border, which will enable us to better meet the needs of our customers.  The acquisition also adds depth to our management bench.”

“This is a great day for Sky’s customers and employees,” said Albert Luna, CEO and Founder of Sky Transportation Services, who will remain in the leadership role post-acquisition. “WSI and Sky have very similar cultures – where safety and customer satisfaction are pivotal to our value proposition.  The enhanced set of services and scale that WSI provides will rapidly accelerate our strategic objectives.”

Wofford Advisors LLC served as WSI’s strategic advisor for the deal and Farmer Scott Ozete Robinson & Schmitt, LLP acted as legal counsel.  FV Advisory Group served as financial advisor to Sky Transportation Services and Rhoades McKee PC acted as legal advisor.

About Warehouse Services Inc.

Warehouse Services Inc. is a privately held warehouse services and transportation company and third-party logistics provider with corporate headquarters in Piedmont, South Carolina. It has been in business since 1986 and has averaged 16% growth since its inception. The company operates in 19 states and Canada, manages more than 20 million square feet and employs over 4,000 employees.

The Cox Group, with Corporate Headquarters in Piedmont, SC is proud to announce its sponsorship of PGA professional Roberto Diaz for the 2023-2024 season.

Diaz, a native of Mexico, has been playing professionally since 2009, including one win at the 2020 Chitimacha Louisiana Open, three runners-up, one third place finish and fourteen Top 10 finishes. In addition, Diaz has an Official World Golf Ranking “OWGR” of 661.

The Cox Group is a family-owned WBE certified Supply Chain Solutions firm that provides turn-key solutions throughout North America.  We are proud to partner with a player of Diaz's caliber and look forward to helping him reach his goals.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Roberto and to support his career,” said Barry Cox, President of The Cox Group. “We wish Roberto all the best as he enters the 2023-2024 season and look forward to watching him achieve success.”

About The Cox Group

The Cox Group is a family-owned and operated business based in Piedmont, SC. We provide a variety of services to our clients, including warehousing, distribution, asset-based transportation, transportation brokerage, information technology solutions, contract manufacturing, real estate, value added solutions and maintenance support.

For more information, please visit www.warehouseservices.com.

(Huntsville, AL)—PhishFirewall, a cybersecurity SaaS company, secured and closed the lead investor in its $2.5MM Series Seed financing round. The Cox Group headquartered in Mt. Vernon, IN leads the round and Mr. Barry Cox, Cox Group’s President, joins the company’s board of directors.  

The PhishFirewall solution is the most effective defense against ransomware and data breaches. Ransomware is not cyber warfare; it is psychological warfare. Cyber criminals are using AI-driven social engineering to learn and exploit individual and organization-specific weaknesses. Infrequent one-size-fits-all training is no match for this sophisticated approach, which is why companies using existing cyber awareness toolkits are still breached in increasingly alarming numbers.

PhishFirewall uses automated and individualized social engineering and training, powered with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, creating a human firewall against phishing attacks or as we like to call it a, PhishFirewall. The only way to stay safe is to beat the bad guys at their own game with greater sophistication and speed.

The company was founded by world-renowned ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant Joshua Crumbaugh, who for decades, protected global enterprises and the organizations that regulate them by “hacking the unhackable” and revealing their weaknesses.

Mr. Crumbaugh developed the PhishFirewall solution after recognizing the deep need for a scalable tool that solves the problem more efficiently because his clients’ existing solutions were underperforming. His customer’s employees were still clicking on phishes and leaving companies exposed at alarming rates. By addressing the problem at its source, PhishFirewall dramatically lowered the risk for those clients.

“Cybersecurity is a human problem, not a technology problem,” said Joshua Crumbaugh, PhishFirewall founder and Chief Technology Officer. “Our approach combines proven technology and neuroscience to move beyond temporary memorization and train human instincts for sustained awareness.”

“The demand for high-performance cybersecurity awareness and training solutions and scalable phishing emulations is rapidly growing, not only from the critical infrastructure enterprises, but from their insurers,” said PhishFirewall CEO Johnny Thorington. “The Cox Group’s participation in this funding round helps equip us to meet that demand. We are also proud to have Barry Cox join our board and bring his expertise growing technology-driven businesses and turnkey solutions to the team.”

“After getting to know the PhishFirewall team and seeing their product’s results firsthand, we were eager to join them,” said Barry Cox, President of The Cox Group. “Our philosophies are very similar. We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers and delivering cutting-edge solutions to their most complex challenges. We help customers improve efficiencies and lower business disruption risks. PhishFirewall is doing the same thing, just applied to cybersecurity business risks. We look very forward to helping them drive this solution into the market and protect other businesses like ours.”

ABOUT PHISHFIREWALL

Founded by Joshua Crumbaugh, an internationally-known cybersecurity and social engineering expert, PhishFirewall is a cybersecurity awareness, threat emulation and analytics solution firm. The solution is built upon the science of learning and psychology of behavior change, and delivers sustained cybersecurity awareness and lower risk. PhishFirewall specializes in protecting enterprises in high-profile critical infrastructure sectors. The Company currently serves clients in finance, manufacturing, logistics, utilities and education.

ABOUT THE COX GROUP

The Cox Group Holding Company 2016 is WBENC certified Women’s Business Enterprise headquartered in Mt. Vernon, IN. The company mission is to be a global service provider that is customer driven, responsive, flexible, and cost effective, accomplishing this vision through employee pride and commitment. The company provides technology-driven, turnkey solutions in transportation, warehousing and distribution.

Media Contact:

Dana McGough  

dmcgough@cayennecreative.com

205.368.5741

Company Contact:

Clark Barron, Product Marketing Manager

clark.barron@phishfirewall.com

 844.407.4474

Mt. Vernon, October 29, 2021 – Warehouse Services Inc. (“WSI”), a privately held warehouse services company and third-party logistics provider, announced it has acquired Oakdale, MN based Total Logistics, Inc. (“TLI”). TLI is a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) last mile logistics, brokerage and value-added warehousing in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. TLI operates high-touch, highly engineered route-based distribution and return networks for clients in the aftermarket automotive, retail and construction markets.

The deal is expected to add approximately $150 million in annual revenue to WSI in 2022 and will deepen its presence in the Midwest.

“TLI is a very targeted acquisition for us,” said Barry Cox, President of WSI. “The company expands our service offering in the automotive vertical, making us a critical supply chain partner to numerous blue-chip customers. Moreover, the acquisition solidifies our competitive presence in key Midwestern states.”

“We are excited to join WSI,” said Tom Wintz, President of TLI, who will remain in that leadership role post transition. “There is a strong shared culture of emphasizing the customer, focusing on safety, as well as taking care of our employees. In addition, the enhanced scale of WSI’s operations is expected to create revenue and cost savings opportunities which will benefit both organizations.”

Wofford Advisors LLC served as WSI’s strategic advisor for the deal and Farmer Scott Ozete Robinson & Schmitt, LLP acted as legal counsel. [Stephens Inc.] served as financial advisor to TLI and Farmer Scott Ozete Robinson & Schmitt LLP acted as legal counsel.

About Warehouse Services Inc.
Warehouse Services Inc. is a privately held warehouse services company and third-party logistics provider with corporate headquarters in Piedmont, South Carolina. It has been in business since 1986 and has averaged 16% growth since the inception. The company operates in 18 states and Canada, manages more than 18 million square feet and employs over 4,000 employees.

Media Contacts [ ]

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Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The University of Southern Indiana Romain College of Business has received a $100,000 gift from Warehouse Services, Inc., to establish a scholarship endowment named for its President, Barry Cox, for students enrolled in the College's Supply Chain Management Certificate Program. This gift will provide perpetual scholarship support for eligible students. 

Eligibility for the Warehouse Services Inc. Barry Cox Scholarship Endowment includes: 

• Full-time USI undergraduate students must be enrolled in the Supply Chain Management Certificate Program. 
• Student recipients must be in good academic standing at USI when the scholarship is both awarded and received. 
• Second preference will be given to full-time USI undergraduate students majoring in management. 

Warehouse Services, Inc. provides various supply chain services (e.g., warehousing, distribution, fulfillment services, etc.), and it occupies more than 18 million square feet of distribution space in over 20 locations across North America. Its operating headquarters are in Mount Vernon, Indiana. The company employs many USI alumni in a multitude of positions across its more than 4,000 personnel. 

"I am truly grateful to Warehouse Services, Inc. and its President, Mr. Barry Cox, for this generous support of students seeking the new Supply Chain Management Certificate," says Dr. Abbas Foroughi, Chair of Management and Information Sciences. "Warehouse Services' strong interest in the certificate underscores how much regional companies value the establishment of this new program. I would also like to thank the Supply Chain Management Committee and other management faculty at USI for their hard work and support in creating this timely certificate."  

In addition, Cox has been a member of the USI Foundation Board Advisory Council for 22 years.  

"Mr. Cox has been a generous friend of the University for many years, and he truly values USI's economic impact on this region and beyond," says David Bower, Vice President for Development. "The number of USI alumni employed by Warehouse Services underscores that trust in the students we are educating." 

PRESS RELEASES & WHITE PAPERS

Safety Excellence and Outstanding Performance: The Cox Group's Proactive Initiatives

Posted 3-12-24

Introduction

The Cox Group, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, stands as a leading organization recognized for its unwavering commitment to safety excellence. With a corporate culture deeply rooted in prioritizing employee well-being, the Cox Group consistently achieves remarkable safety metrics, maintaining an OSHA recordable rate nearly five times lower than the national average in the United States. This white paper aims to spotlight the initiatives spearheaded by the Cox Group, shedding light on their achievements, and emphasizing the significance of their key safety metric.

Overview of the Cox Group's Safety Initiatives

The Cox Group acknowledges that a robust safety culture is paramount to achieving exceptional safety performance. The organization has implemented a comprehensive suite of initiatives to ensure employee well-being and minimize workplace incidents. Key initiatives include:

1. Leadership Commitment: The Cox Group's management team is deeply committed to safety, actively promoting a culture of safety across the organization. Leading by example, they engage in safety training, foster open communication, and consistently underscore the importance of safety in all operational facets.

1. Safety Training and Education: Significantly investing in safety training and education programs, the Cox Group equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed for safe task performance. Comprehensive training covers hazard identification, risk assessment, and proper utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks further reinforce safety awareness.

1. Safety Committees and Employee Involvement: Encouraging employee participation in safety, the Cox Group establishes safety committees that facilitate open dialogue between employees and management. These committees play a vital role in identifying potential hazards and implementing proactive safety measures.

1. Continuous Improvement: Recognizing safety as an ongoing process, the Cox Group actively seeks opportunities for improvement. Regular reviews of safety procedures and policies, combined with audits and inspections, result in the implementation of corrective actions to address identified safety gaps. This unwavering commitment to continuous improvement ensures that safety remains a top organizational priority.

The Key Safety Metric: OSHA Recordable Rate

The Cox Group's exceptional safety performance is evident in its OSHA recordable rate, nearly five times lower than the US national average. The OSHA recordable rate, a crucial metric measuring work-related injuries and illnesses requiring medical treatment beyond first aid per 100 full-time employees, highlights the organization's steadfast commitment to workforce well-being.

Importance of the Key Safety Metric

The Cox Group's remarkable OSHA recordable rate signifies its dedication to creating a safe work environment. Serving as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of safety programs and initiatives, a low OSHA recordable rate demonstrates the Cox Group's robust safety protocols, emphasizing prevention, hazard identification, and risk mitigation. It also reflects their focus on employee engagement, training, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The Cox Group's commitment to safety excellence and its outstanding OSHA recordable rate showcase its dedication to employee well-being. Through a comprehensive range of safety initiatives, including leadership commitment, safety training, employee involvement, and continuous improvement, the Cox Group has cultivated a world-class safety culture. Maintaining a significantly lower OSHA recordable rate than the national average, the Cox Group sets the standard for safety performance in its industry, inspiring other organizations to prioritize safety and create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.