Manufacturer

Seventh Generation Inc., a brand of nontoxic, environmentally safe household and personal care products, has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, generated by distribution and consumer demand for its "green" products.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, an indirect subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., is the latest addition to a growing list of consumer goods companies, which are outsourcing non-core operations to third party providers in order to strengthen leadership in their respective industries.

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc successfully completed its acquisition of Adams Respiratory Therapeutics Inc. through a cash tender offer followed by a short- form merger of its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Twickenham Inc., with and into Adams.

To help expand its online business for its growing product lines, Spanx, a women's hosiery and shapewear company, signs a multiyear agreement with GSI Commerce for a full-service, integrated e-commerce solution.

Challenges, imperatives and trends for 2008

Kara Romanow asks Stephen Marosi, the IT manager of Global Merchandising Solutions for The Procter & Gamble Company, to offer his take on the current state of retail execution.

When LNK International, a private-label manufacturer of over the counter pharmaceuticals, wanted to improve its in-stock position with Rite Aid, the company turned to Prescient's Forecast Exchange solution, a web-based collaboration tool that helps retailers and suppliers to compare forecast information, manage to exceptions and adjust forecasts as required.

Newell Rubbermaid is continuing to reduce costs and improve efficiency in its global distribution network with the planned opening of a fifth new multi-branded distribution facility.