Inter-Link to provide sourcing savvy

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/16/2006 1:21:00 PM

Charlotte, N.C. – A trio of former Springs Industries vets has formed a new venture to bridge the gap between U.S. retailers that lack the wherewithal tobuilding sourcing teams and off-shore manufacturers unable to invest heavily in supply chain and warehousing systems.

Charles Metzler, president, spent 23 years at Springs, most recently in global sourcing. He’s joined at Inter-Link by John Wirth, former Springs vp of manufacturing, and Jeff Eisentrout, former Springs vp of operations.

The company has forged strategic alliances with warehouse operators in Los Angeles and Charlotte as well as a partnership with a New York-based design firm. Inter-Link will fulfill sales representation, order management, customer service, vendor compliance and EDI functions, Metzler said, remarking, “We’re not an agent; we’re an extension of the manufacturer. We’re their U.S. operation.”