Walgreens

"One idea sparked an innovative and inclusive way to look at productivity, efficiency and opportunity at Walgreens distribution centers. In 2002, Walgreens senior vice president of supply chain and logistics Randy Lewis wanted to create a way to give new job opportunities to people with disabilities. This was the right idea at the right time as the company was investigating in new technology for it's next generation of distribution centers.

Walgreens created a new foundation of systems, machines and processes, as well as a universal design. When the Anderson, S.C. distribution center opened in 2007, Walgreens worked with local agencies to train and attract people with disabilities for employment at the facility. The company also created training for managers to help insure an inclusion workplace for people with and without disabilities working side-by-side. Now, the supply chain division has Incorporated the lessons learned in Anderson at it's newest DC in Windsor, Conn."

-Taken from the Walgreens Disability Inclusion Web page

Randy Lewis, Walgreen's Senior Vice President, has a 19 year-old son with Autism. He was concerned about his son's future. That sparked an idea which has helped hundreds of Americans with disabilities.

The Anderson, S.C. distribution center has 700 employees. 280 of them (40%) have a disability. The fascinating thing about this distribution center is that shortly after opening, it became 20% more efficient than any of Walgreens other distribution centers. We used to live very close to a Walgreens distribution center. That center has since been moved and will re-open with the same integration of technology for people with disabilities. It's amazing that one father's love could spread so widely and touch so man people's lives. You can visit the Walgreens website to watch and read success stories about the incredible people working in these distribution centers.

Until Next Time!

Lots of Love,