Blue Bell Creameries: Finding a New Warehouse and Office
Finding A New Warehouse and Office for Blue Bell Creameries
Operations Management
Blue Bell Creameries
1
Founded in 1907 in Brenham, Texas, the Brenham Creamery Company originated as, and continues to be, a family owned business. It initially specialized in the making of butter. In order to produce this good, excess cream possessed by surrounding farmers was purchased. A few years later, the Brenham Creamery Company began making and selling ice cream. This action soon proved to be very satisfactory as it began generating profits for the company. However, it was not until 1930 that the company officially changed its name to Blue Bell Creameries. Blue Bell has successfully infiltrated its respective market. Although their ice cream can be found throughout only 20 states in the nation, it is the third best-selling ice cream in the United States, following Breyers and Edy’s/Dreyer’s (Funding Universe). Blue Bell’s success can be measured through their need of facility expansion. Currently, there are 49 operating branches. A vital branch to this company is located in Harlingen, Texas. It will be the primary focus of our study. The Harlingen Branch is located at 300 Hanmore Industrial Parkway and Expressway 83. It serves as the main distributor of Blue Bell ice cream throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The branch is situated in a high traffic area. The territory where the branch is located is no more than one third of an acre in size. The region surrounding the branch is completely occupied by local businesses. Lack of land size has created a parking issue. It is unable to house its seven delivery trucks. They have remedied this situation by renting a parking facility in Pharr, Texas.
Current Issues The Blue Bell branch in Harlingen has acquired several problems over the years. First they have outgrown their current warehouse in Harlingen. Currently they have one third acre off the expressway and there is no way of expanding it due to all the other companies
Operations Management
Blue Bell Creameries
1
Founded in 1907 in Brenham, Texas, the Brenham Creamery Company originated as, and continues to be, a family owned business. It initially specialized in the making of butter. In order to produce this good, excess cream possessed by surrounding farmers was purchased. A few years later, the Brenham Creamery Company began making and selling ice cream. This action soon proved to be very satisfactory as it began generating profits for the company. However, it was not until 1930 that the company officially changed its name to Blue Bell Creameries. Blue Bell has successfully infiltrated its respective market. Although their ice cream can be found throughout only 20 states in the nation, it is the third best-selling ice cream in the United States, following Breyers and Edy’s/Dreyer’s (Funding Universe). Blue Bell’s success can be measured through their need of facility expansion. Currently, there are 49 operating branches. A vital branch to this company is located in Harlingen, Texas. It will be the primary focus of our study. The Harlingen Branch is located at 300 Hanmore Industrial Parkway and Expressway 83. It serves as the main distributor of Blue Bell ice cream throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The branch is situated in a high traffic area. The territory where the branch is located is no more than one third of an acre in size. The region surrounding the branch is completely occupied by local businesses. Lack of land size has created a parking issue. It is unable to house its seven delivery trucks. They have remedied this situation by renting a parking facility in Pharr, Texas.
Current Issues The Blue Bell branch in Harlingen has acquired several problems over the years. First they have outgrown their current warehouse in Harlingen. Currently they have one third acre off the expressway and there is no way of expanding it due to all the other companies
Cited: Blue Bell Creameries. (n.d.). Our History. Retrieved November 29, 2012, from Blue Bell : http:// www.bluebell.com/the_little_creamery/our_history.html Funding Universe. (n.d.). Blue Bell Creameries L.P. History. Retrieved November 28, 2012, from Funding Universe: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/blue-bellcreameries-l-p-history/ Reid, R. D., & Sanders, N. R. Operations Management: An Integrated Approach. Hoboken, NJ: George Hoffman. 12