Jan 30, 2007 9:07 AM, from staff and wire reports

After a successful trial, frozen foods processor Michelina’s has joined the CHEP pallet pool program. The company, which sells the Michelina’s, Authentico, Lean Gourmet, Signature, Yu Sing, and Zap’ems lines, is now shipping product on CHEP pallets from its Jackson OH production facility to the mass retail, wholesale club, supermarket, foodservice, and drug trade channels.

Michelina’s previously used standard pallets, some of which were exchanged with the remainder shipped one-way. The company wanted to improve pallet quality and consistency, reduce transportation rates, and lower product damage rates. It conducted a year-long test of the CHEP pallet pooling program and saw improved productivity and service before rolling out the program to all customers.