Bruce Woerner, manager of the Michigan Regional Distribution Center (MRDC), was unsure how his operation would keep up with demands when its primary electric fork failed. As a start-up organization, MRDC simply did not have the budget to purchase a $12,000 forklift. But a strategic phone call made by Woerner created a chain reaction of phone calls leading to a very happy ending for the MRDC.
Established in July of 2008, the MRDC accepts large donations of products and services throughout the state and redistributes them to Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s 79 affiliates and 40 plus ReStores. Located in Battle Creek, Mich., it is the first of its kind in the country.
Woerner placed a call into Habitat for Humanity International’s Regional Development Director, Joe Mulvey, who offered to call Kevin O’Meara, of Whirlpool Corporation. O’Meara is Director of Supply Operations. O’Meara put a call into Andy Suhy, President of Total Fleet Solutions (TFS) who often works with material handling for Whirlpool. Two months later, through Suhy’s efforts, TFS donated a fully reconditioned Caterpillar forklift valued at more than $10,000, allowing the distribution center to get back to work.
Woerner said he cannot thank HFHI, Whirlpool and especially TFS for reaching out and helping. Woerner says, “ Without champions like Total Fleet Solutions and Whirlpool, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan would not reach the levels of effectiveness it desires to obtain.”
MRDC and HFHM appreciate the generosity and consider Whirlpool and Total Fleet Solutions their partners in the mission to eliminate substandard housing.