Packaging and Fulfillment

When triathlete, ultra-marathoner, and best-selling author Sal Edwards wanted to reshore assembly and packaging services for their latest business endeavor, s/he immediately thought of PRIDE Industries.

 

Heart Zones, founded by Edwards in 1994, is a pioneer in the field of science-based heart rate training programs and devices. Among these devices is the Blink Armband, a lightweight heart rate monitor that converts data into individualized, actionable exercise prescriptions. To get this product to market quickly and reliably, Edwards was looking for a kitting and assembly partner s/he could count on, which is where PRIDE Industries comes in—again.

 

“Sal has a special place their heart—pun intended—for us,” said Tony Lopez, Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics Services for PRIDE Industries. “Our relationship dates back 30 years, to when s/he was the cofounder of Yuba Shoes—snowshoes we helped to build before, eventually, purchasing the business.”

 

You read that right. Back in 1990, having already created and grown Fleet Feet, a well-known Sacramento-area company, Edwards created their own brand of streamlined snowshoe. PRIDE Industries manufactured the shoes for five years and then bought the line outright. In fact, these snowshoes were the very first commercial product PRIDE Industries sold to the federal government—specifically to the Marines. Though, over time, external and internal factors led to a cessation of this business line, those who worked in it recall fondly that one pair of Yuba Shoes made it to the top of Everest.

 

And now, with a new focus to “get America fit through data driven fitness that uses wearable technology and sound methodology,” Edwards has again turned to PRIDE Industries.

Kitting and Assembly Services with a Positive Social Impact

“S/he’s wanted to reshore some of the manufacturing, kitting, and assembly services to the states,” said Lopez. “And s/he’s always resonated with our business model. So, we’ll be building the accessory kits for their armband—a strap, clasps, and connectors.”

 

And this isn’t just any wearable band.

 

Used by health clubs and in K-8 Physical Education programs, the Blink Armband and its accompanying software allow instructors to monitor student progress in real time—a feature that’s especially useful for distance-learning environments.

 

“Heart Zones generates between two and three million in sales, annually,” said Lopez. “We estimate this kitting and assembly contract will employ 10 PRIDE Industries employees with disabilities, and there’s a good chance that number could grow.”

 

If Edwards’ past success is any indication, Heart Zones will indeed continue to grow and positively impact the well-being of thousands of users. And PRIDE Industries will be the partner that helps make that happen.

So, here’s to health, heartfulness, and a renewed business relationship!

Interested in partnering with PRIDE Industries to help your business?

Wearable, data-driven fitness technology motivates and empowers individuals

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries, the country’s leading employer of people with disabilities, will provide kitting and assembly services to Heart Zones, a pioneer in the field of science-based heart rate training programs and devices. PRIDE Industries will build, package, and ship Heart Zones’ premier exercise product, the Blink Armband. Heart Zones’ Blink Armband is a lightweight heart rate monitor that converts data into individualized, actionable exercise recommendations. This useful tool is often used, for example, by health clubs and in K-12 school physical education programs. The accompanying software allows coaches and instructors to monitor fitness progress in real time.

“As demand for the Blink Armband has increased, I’ve been looking for a way to re-shore production and get our product to our customers more quickly,” said Sal Edwards, CEO and founder. A triathlete, ultra-marathoner, exercise scientist, and best-selling author, Sal founded Heart Zones in 1993. “And I knew I could count on PRIDE Industries, given our past partnership.”

Thirty years ago, PRIDE Industries partnered with Sal Edwards. During this partnership, PRIDE built, kitted, and shipped products for her previous company, Yuba Shoes. For several years, the footwear company made snowshoes used by various military branches, particularly the Marines.

“We value our longstanding, trusted partnership with Sal. The Blink Armband production will be performed in our state-of-the-art Roseville manufacturing facility,” said Tony Lopez, Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics Services for PRIDE Industries. “By building the accessory kits for the Blink Armband—a strap, clasps, and connectors—PRIDE Industries is excited to help Heart Zones motivate and empower Americans to improve their fitness.”

PRIDE Industries employees will use sonic welder machines to manufacture the accessory kits for the Blink Armband. Also, PRIDE will train employees with disabilities to operate this equipment, which is a valuable, transferable job skill.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance, custodial, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment, and staffing and recruitment services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day. Learn more at https://PRIDEIndustries.com

About Heart Zones

For over 25 years, Heart Zones, Inc. has provided the latest in scientific-based heart rate training technology, fitness training programs, certifications, books and educational materials for coaches, athletes and individuals. Founded by author, professional athlete and exercise scientist Sally Edwards, MA, MBA, the company was first to introduce networked fitness with the patented Threshold Training System™ for use in individual and group fitness training settings. Heart Zones, Inc continues to innovate and pioneer new technologies and training programs. These technologies and training programs target both individual and group training environments with the mission to get America fit. Learn more at https://www.heartzones.com

We can help your business grow

Learn more about our kitting and assembly services.   
Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

People in blue uniforms and gloves working on electronics parts
Case Study:

HP Inc.

A 20+ Year Partnership: HP Inc. and PRIDE Industries

In 1998, PRIDE Industries began sorting and packaging computer related products for HP Inc. Then, in 2003, we were selected to provide additional services for HP Inc.’s commercial and personal printers, spare parts, and related devices.

Situation

Having relocated the bulk of its operations to Kentucky, HP sought a partner that could handle procurement and planning as well as purchase order management, packing, and shipping for its printer parts and components—while saving HP money and helping them meet their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals.

Solution

PRIDE Industries had, since 1998, earned HP’s trust through the sorting and recycling services we provided for their products. Then, in 2003, when HP selected us through a competitive bid process, we began providing supply chain management and global fulfillment services for their commercial and personal printers. Not only did our procurement and planning teams manage supplier relationships and the bulk of supply-chain links for this project, we also created a unique, proprietary system that acts as an interface between HP’s and PRIDE Industries’ Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERPs).

PRIDE Industries’ procurement team manages supplier relationships, including purchase order management, delivery performance, and escalations. Additionally, PRIDE Industries’ planning team performs forecasting/demand planning, creates material purchasing requests, manages part setup and maintenance, carries out lifecycle planning activities, implements part-roll tasks, and provides overall operational project management support. The HP Inc. program at PRIDE Industries is a global, 24-hour operation. Our team of supply chain planners, buyers, and business support assistants focus on striking the optimal balance between supply chain inventory levels and high customer level-of-fill targets.

After demonstrating business excellence to HP, we acquired two more HP Inc. business segments:

  • Spare Part Fulfillment program to support HP Inc. Print business acquisition
  • PRIDE Industries is the sole HP Inc. North America regional distribution center for their printing and copier spare parts needs.
  • PRIDE Industries manages the spare parts return program via the HP iReturns system and cross-docking activities.


“This partnership has been great for furthering our mission to create jobs for people with disabilities,” says HP Program Manager for PRIDE Industries Ralph Mendez.

Services Provided

  • 267,000 square feet of dedicated warehouse space for the program
  • Technical expertise for forward/reverse logistics and supply chain management
  • Systematic interface/infrastructure
  • Proactive management

Results

  • PRIDE Industries was named Global Service Supplier of the Year for HP Inc.
  • > 37K active part numbers (SKUs) managed
  • 43.5K average monthly units shipped
  • 800 average orders per day
  • 1,311 average sales order lines per day
  • 98% same day shipping
  • 93% level-of-fill requirement met
  • $32.1M HP-consigned inventory managed
  • 30 weeks of supply (including end-of-life)
  • 60% cost savings from consolidation as a percentage of consolidation activity
  • 16% cost savings from consolidation as a percentage of HP/PRIDE Industries logistics spend
  • > 200 kits managed
  • 221 average monthly kits built per day
  • 99% on-time shipments
  • 6-7 weeks of PRIDE Industries-owned inventory

Awards

  • PRIDE Industries was named Global Service Supplier of the Year for HP Inc.
HP Logo

Highlights

By the end of July 2021, the Lincoln, Calif. facility employed 52 staff, nearly a quarter of whom have a disclosed disability.

43,500

average monthly units shipped in FY20

267K sq. ft.

of dedicated warehouse space

$32.1M

HP-consigned inventory managed

"PRIDE Industries is a proactive partner who exceeds their performance targets. I’m in love with the mission and in love with their performance."

Learn more about our services

Amazon logo seen at Amazon campus in Palo Alto, California. The Palo Alto location hosts A9 Search, Amazon Web Services, and Amazon Game Studios teams.
Case Study:

Amazon.com

Amazon Chooses PRIDE Industries as the First to Join its Alternative Workforce Supplier Program

Amazon.com delivers almost a million packages to people’s front doorsteps every day and is known for its fast delivery. Achieving this quick turnaround requires hundreds of dedicated and motivated employees to sort and pack items accurately, making staffing a crucial function for the company.

Situation

As part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Amazon launched the Alternative Workforce Supplier Program (AWSP) in 2016. This innovative staffing initiative is tailored to meet the needs of individuals who have traditionally faced obstacles to entering and advancing in the workplace.

To meet its ambitious DEI goals, Amazon sought organizations in each geographical market who had expertise in recruiting, assessing, and supporting people with disabilities. More importantly, they needed companies with a track record of filling roles in a high-volume environment like Amazon’s.

Solution

  • Amazon chose PRIDE Industries as its first nonprofit agency (NPA) to quickly scale its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative – the Alternative Workforce Supplier Program.
  • PRIDE Industries was chosen for our decades of experience and longstanding relationship with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).
  • As an AbilityOne®provider, PRIDE Industries hires, trains, and continuously supports employees who have significant disabilities.
  • We developed assessments, job counseling, and job simulations at a mock warehouse for screening candidates.
  • We created a specialized team of Job Coaches and Employment Relationship Coordinators who were responsible for training, coaching, and supporting over 300 new team members, 90% of whom had a disclosed disability.
  • Given our results, the initial contract was expanded to include 12 Amazon PRIME Now sites.
  • When Amazon eventually chose to bring its AWS program in-house, they adopted PRIDE Industries training methods developed for their warehouses.

Services Provided

  • Interviews of candidates referred by local partners
  • Assessment of candidate skills and interests
  • Help with the coordination of employee transportation to job sites
  • Reviews of employment soft skills, such as punctuality and communication
  • Employee training for jobs such as Associate, Yard Hostler, and Water Spider, for both Sortation and PRIME Now warehouses

Results

Through its partnership with PRIDE Industries, Amazon.com was able to make a positive social impact without sacrificing business excellence:

  • Amazon achieved its goal of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.
  • Hundreds of individuals with disabilities were successfully employed and received continuous on-the-job support.
  • The productivity level of employees with disabilities consistently met or exceeded average site productivity levels.
  • Because PRIDE Industries exceeded its contract requirements, Amazon asked PRIDE Industries to extend its services beyond California into two additional sites in Nevada.

“PRIDE Industries has been a fantastic partner in helping Amazon hire people with disabilities. We are excited to hire more talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, and our partnership with PRIDE Industries helped us expand this goal.”

Amazon logo

Highlights

304

people with disabilities placed

Contract expansion​

to 12 Amazon PRIME Now sites

Sites served

California & Nevada

“PRIDE Industries has been a fantastic partner in helping Amazon hire people with disabilities. We are excited to hire more talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, and our partnership with PRIDE Industries helped us expand this goal.”

Grow your business with a diverse workforce

Find out how PRIDE Industries can help you recruit, hire, and retain inclusive talent.

PRIDE Industries was established in 1966 with the mission to create jobs for people with disabilities. A pioneer in social enterprise, PRIDE provides competitive services in commercial facilities, manufacturing and logistics, and recruitment and training to the federal government, Fortune 500 corporations, and small business owners who wish to make a social impact with their business dollars. In 2020, PRIDE partnered with the California Medical Association and the California Office of Emergency Services to distribute 90 million pieces of PPE to struggling small and medium-sized medical practices throughout the state.

 

The California Center is a California incorporated company that provides U.S. businesses a convenient and accelerated market entry platform into Asia. The organization has relationships with FDA-approved, overseas manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE). They were one of four organizations authorized to supply the California Governor’s office with PPE products sourced overseas during the COVID-19 crisis.

Product Safety

All products are sourced from FDA-approved manufacturers and are inspected and tested by SGS, a third-party global testing organization that validates product quality, accuracy, and that all products meet regulatory requirements.

Make a Social Impact

PPE Kits with a Social Impact are kitted and assembled by people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Your purchase dollars also support PRIDE Industries’ social enterprise, which provides training and job placement services to people with disabilities, wounded veterans, former foster youth, and trafficking survivors.

Need a kitting and fulfillment partner?

Learn more about how PRIDE can assist your organization with your kitting and fulfillment needs.
PPE ME logo
California Center logo
Media Contact
Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

The global pandemic has drastically altered many industries, especially in the medical field. What do experts predict will be the newest trend for medical device manufacturers?

 

Recently, we sat down with Mike Douglas, Manufacturing & Engineering General Manager for PRIDE Industries. Mike has a reputation as a keen observer of the medical technology industry, borne out of a long and successful career. He shares both the opportunities and the roadblocks that medical device manufacturers are facing in today’s rapidly evolving situation.

 

Q: What is PRIDE’s involvement in the medical device manufacturing industry?

 

A: PRIDE Industries provides turnkey, end-to-end product solutions, ranging from kitting and assembly to full-blown product manufacturing services. Our current projects are quite varied, and include:

  • Manufacturing, assembling, and distributing a best-in-class, non chemical pain relief device used by everyone from professional athletes to casual joggers. Manufacturing this particular device requires us to source more than five hundred unique components.
  • Assembling serum and saliva test kits used for antibody testing.
  • Assembling and distributing recyclable, biodegradable medical carts used in single-patient and mass-capacity environments of care.
  • Manufacturing and kitting of a device used by anesthesiologists in hospital settings to control the dosing of medications.
  • Assembling low-cost, respiratory support devices for infants and children, specifically for use in low-resource countries.

 

Q: How is working with medical device technology more stringent than other industries?

 

A: The certification requirements for medical devices are far more exacting than for other products. For most products, ISO 90001 certification is the standard, which of course PRIDE has. But because we also manufacture and assemble medical devices, we also have the stricter ISO 13485 certification. This certification mandates greater managerial involvement. Goals must be minutely outlined, with strict accountability built into the various processes. Because of the potentially serious consequences of even a minor defect, we have to be able to track lots and even individual devices. Every shipment that includes a part we manufacture must have a Certificate of Compliance (COC). Our inbound inspection procedures are detailed and thorough, and we conduct quality checks on all the component parts we use.

 

Q: What sort of changes are you seeing in the medical device industry due to the effects of COVID-19?

 

A: One of the biggest changes I have seen has to do with the supply chain. Particularly with critical medical equipment, overseas suppliers have become less reliable. Many companies are now worried about the continuity of their production, which is why they’re looking to onshore manufacturing and assembly of equipment that supports critical medical needs.

 

Another change I’ve seen with the advent of COVID-19 is the shift in demand. Because many elective procedures were suddenly postponed or even cancelled, demand for related equipment dropped. At the same time, the demand for emergency and critical care equipment increased. Fortunately, PRIDE was able to quickly pivot to producing critical care equipment. During the first three months of the pandemic, PRIDE distributed 1.3 million face masks and 55,000 pairs of gloves. We also manufactured 1300 face shields, and distributed 500+ bottles of disinfectant.

 

Q: How will the pandemic change the face of medical device manufacturing?

 

A: Because so many companies have suffered from supply interruptions, I expect to see more of them choosing to create a buffer stock of essential supplies. Now more than ever, companies want dual-source capability. No one wants to rely on a single supplier. At a minimum, they want a backup supplier in place. Redundancy is key.

 

I also think we’re going to see an on-shoring trend. Even before the pandemic, rising tariffs were pushing manufacturing back to the US. Here at PRIDE, I’d already noticed an uptick in queries about landed costs. The fact is, when you look at the total cost of getting a product to the point of sale, PRIDE is a cost-competitive business partner. And I think now that people are aware of how something like a pandemic can rock the supply chain, there’s even more of an impetus to keep medical device manufacturing and supplies close to home.

 

Q: Has PRIDE seen a surge in the demand for medical devices?

 

A: Absolutely. There’s certainly been a surge in critical care devices and personal protective equipment. For a while, we saw a spike in ventilator production, but that’s since dropped back to more normal levels. And non-critical care equipment—the sort of devices that are associated with elective procedures—have also seen a drop in demand. But we expect demand for those types of medical devices to come back. People still want to have knee surgery, for example. And “non-urgent” is not the same as “not necessary.” So we expect to see a rebound on routine-care medical equipment, even as the demand for critical-care technology remains strong.

 

Q: As the global market for medical device manufacturing increases, do you see supply chain and material issues becoming more widespread and longer lasting?

 

A: In the near term, definitely there are going to be bottlenecks. Getting supplies from overseas will continue to be a challenge. But these supply issues should ease as domestic medical device manufacturing ramps up. And there are other benefits to bringing manufacturing home. Several industries have been plagued with counterfeiting problems and a lack of quality control. With domestic production, a company can exercise much greater control, which ultimately saves money. And it certainly saves a company’s reputation.

 

Another fundamental issue is the availability of core components. A lot of manufacturers are vying for the same materials. Obviously, if you can’t get supplies, you can’t build your product. And delays in supply acquisition lengthen the lead times in production. So again, onshoring gives a company greater control of the production process.

 

Q: Medical device manufacturing can be highly specialized. Do you find it difficult to balance medical manufacturing work while still serving other industries?

 

A: It’s never been a problem for us. In fact, manufacturing medical devices makes us better equipped for other products. Because we’re used to operating at such a high level for medical device manufacturing, we’re able to bring a lot of precision and quality control to our work in other industries. We’re used to the stringent requirements of ISO 13485, and it’s not like we “step down” when we switch to a nonmedical product. On the contrary, it’s our attention to detail—honed through working on medical devices—that has given us such a high customer satisfaction rating across all the industries we serve. Our employees are used to working precisely and efficiently, and our customers recognize that.

We can help your business grow

We offer cost-effective electronics manufacturing services in a wide variety of industries.
Mike Douglas, Manufacturing & Engineering General Manager for PRIDE industries

"I’ve had companies tell me, 'If PRIDE can build medical devices, then I’m betting you can build my product.' And they’re right."