Case Study
Alex Lee – Elevating Label Efficiency in Food Distribution
Client Overview
Alex Lee, a North Carolina-based corporation, is a leading name in the food service industry. With a diverse portfolio, Alex Lee serves as the parent company for multiple subsidiaries, including:
- Merchants Distributors (MDI) – Food distribution
- Lowe’s Foods – Retail grocery chain
- Vantage Foods – Meat packaging
- Consolidation Services – Third-party logistics and distribution
At the heart of Alex Lee’s operations is MDI, a major distribution center responsible for efficient food logistics. Managing critical supply chain processes, Ted Manuel, Data Center Manager at Alex Lee, oversees the procurement of forms and labels for the MDI warehouse.
The Challenge
High-Performance Labels for Complex Conditions
Labels play a crucial role in Alex Lee’s operations, particularly at MDI’s distribution facility, where they are essential for:
Product (case) identification
Order selection
Shipping & logistics
The challenge? These labels must adhere to various surfaces—including cardboard cases, plastic-wrapped pallets, and steel pallet storage slots—all while withstanding extreme environmental conditions. From high-heat summers to -20°F freezer storage, MDI needed durable, high-quality labels that could perform without failure.
The OMNI Solution
Quality, Reliability, and Value
In 2006, OMNI Systems was selected as Alex Lee’s label provider. MDI utilizes both thermal transfer and direct thermal labels from OMNI, including:
- Small case labels for order selection
- Large pallet and tote labels for warehouse tracking
Initially drawn to OMNI for its cost-effective pricing, Alex Lee quickly recognized additional key benefits, including:
Multiple print facilities ensuring supply chain continuity
Fast turnaround times for on-demand inventory
Proactive communication and dedicated support
Seamless problem resolution
“OMNI’s integrity is flawless, and they are a great provider with great prices.”
Ted Manuel, Data Center Manager at Alex Lee
Beyond competitive pricing, OMNI’s ability to handle both high-volume and specialty labels allowed Alex Lee to consolidate vendors, streamlining their procurement process. Any challenges that arose were met with immediate, effective solutions, reinforcing a trusted partnership.
Long-Term Success
A Trusted Label Partner
Since 2006, OMNI has remained Alex Lee’s label provider of choice. Even with over 25 vendors competing for their business, OMNI continues to be selected—again and again.
What sets OMNI apart? According to Manuel:
Consistently competitive pricing
On-time deliveries, every time
Reliable, long-term customer service
“I’ve worked with the same OMNI representative for years—99% of the time, he’s my point of contact for orders, shipments, and issue resolution. Other vendors have high rep turnover, but OMNI’s stability builds a trusted, ‘tribal’ relationship that strengthens our business partnership.”
Ted Manuel, Data Center Manager at Alex Lee
Results
A Relationship Built on Performance
- Seamless label integration across operations
- Improved efficiency with durable, high-quality labels
- Reduced vendor complexity—one supplier for all labeling needs
- Unmatched customer service and problem resolution
“OMNI delivers what they promise. Shipments arrive on schedule, communication is top-notch, and I never have to chase them down. They’re always available when I need them—without the hassle.”
Ted Manuel, Data Center Manager at Alex Lee