Robert Burrows

Mr. Burrows is Sr. Vice President Global Operations for Wright Medical Technology the market share leader in Foot and Ankle orthopedics and the fastest growing company in the industry with over 15% year over year growth.   Mr. Burrows responsibilities include global procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and delivery.   The operations team of 300 people has been a key part of the 2012/2013 implementation of Integrated Business Planning.   IBP at Wright has been integrated globally and is currently functioning at a Level III, collaborative level.   We plan to achieve full Market-driven status, level IV, in early 2014. 

The IBP initiative is on track to improve free cash flow by $100 million thru 2014.    In addition, the manufacturing cost is on track to achieve a 20% reduction.   Our gross margins are now 78% and are expected to grow significantly as we implement new supply chain initiatives in coming years.

In 2013, the operations team has been implementing an industry first local network of distribution hubs.   Each of our 20 hubs will deliver the orthopedic kits required for individual surgeries.   Each hub has two to five couriers using Wright Medical vehicles to deliver and to delight our customers.    The hub network will develop into the customer facing organization we will need to fully realize Market Driven status.  The Hub operation is responsible for helping to improve our sales representative productivity and to improve cash flow.   We now deliver nearly 80% of all surgeries each month with our direct employee courier service.

Our goal in 2014 is to implement measures which will make us a World Class Supply Chain organization, recognized by a wide audience as top of the pack.  The goal is   The key metrics are zero defects in manufacturing and in distribution, minimal lead times or fast response, manufacturing to demand with optimal inventory, generating new business as customers learn to depend on our superb customer service.   In short, supply chain at Wright will be a competitive weapon.