The Material Handling Institute has acquired the Warehouse Education Research Council, which now functions as a division of MHI.
WERC was founded in 1977 and has developed educational programs and conducted research concerning the warehousing process and to refine the art and science of managing warehouses.
It offers networking and educational opportunities for warehousing professionals through its annual educational conference, local WERC chapters, industry research, online learning and facility certification programs.
MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. It holds the ProMat and Modex biannual giant trade shows.
It provides education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry through varied programming and events.
“The acquisition of WERC complements our overall strategy to continue building our knowledge offering for the industry,” says MHI Chief Executive Officer George W. Prest.
“This investment represents an important strategic opportunity offering additional value for both MHI and WERC membership. Together our platform will be stronger and deliver more value to the industry and our members.”
WERC CEO Michael Mikitka, noted that, “WERC joining MHI provides a major growth opportunity for both our associations through an extended service offering for all members.”
He added, “As our industry evolves, together our associations will leverage its resources to provide the products, services and information to advance distribution logistics professionals.”
Mikitka will join MHI as executive vice president of the MHI Knowledge Value Center and will lead the WERC division.