Chuck Nicholson Participates in Externship with Leprino Foods

Dr. Chuck Nicholson, a Clinical Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, participated in a one-week externship with Leprino Foods Company at the company’s headquarters in Denver, CO during July 2013.  Leprino Foods is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of mozzarella cheese and dairy ingredients, with manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and a global sales presence.

Dr. Nicholson interacted with numerous Leprino supply chain professionals to discuss various dimensions of the company’s operations, including forecasting, inventory management, distribution and procurement.  He also had the opportunity to tour the company’s newest production facility in Greeley, CO, accompanying the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, and the Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper, on a visit designed to highlight Leprino Foods’ state-of-the-art food safety technology.  Dr. Nicholson also discussed potential collaborative research projects related to supply chain operations and forecasting of milk deliveries to the company’s production facilities.

Elements of this externship experience will be incorporated into Dr. Nicholson’s instructional program this Fall.  Forecasting, inventory management and distribution will be discussed in SCM 404 (Demand Fulfillment) and procurement strategies as a part of the MBA course SCM 546 (Strategic Procurement).  If schedules allow, supply chain professionals from Leprino Foods will present in these classes.