Refrigerated & Frozen Foods talks with Rich Products Corp.’s Michael Welker, vice president of customer service and logistics / material management. Rich, Buffalo, N.Y., is a diversified processor supplying all channels. Its frozen product line includes bakery foods (desserts, sweet goods, bread and rolls), pizza products, barbeque meats, non-dairy toppings and icings (Rich’s), appetizers (Farm Rich), prepared shrimp and seafood (SeaPak) and Italian specialties.
MEET MICHAEL WELKER
Background: Almost a 30-year company veteran, Welker began in customer service and logistics before moving into operations (Rich’s Buffalo, N.Y., non-dairy facility). Then he held materials management staff and leadership roles. After assisting with Rich’s enterprise-wide transition to SAP, Welker helped optimize supply chain processes and ERP rollout to additional plants. He later served as a leader in Rich’s global procurement. Welker also assists with acquisition diligence and integration leadership.
Education / training: Bachelor’s degree (Industrial Technology), State University of New York at Buffalo.