Zenith Data Systems. Southshore Companies.

Zenith Data Systems

Zenith Data Systems (ZDS), a subsidiary of Zenith Electronics Corporation, established its personal computer manufacturing operations in St. Joseph, Michigan in 1980. ZDS subsequently was consolidated into the operations of NEC Corporation (Nippon Electronics Company). While the work by Southshore for ZDS occurred some years ago, it is noteworthy to describe this customer relationship because of the complexity and challenging nature of the work with ZDS in the rapid change environment of the personal computer industry.

The Southshore Companies accepted the task of meeting the total logistics requirements of ZDS, at the time a major consumer computer products and government computer contractor, over a six-year period from 1982 to 1988.

This project began with the development of construction specifications, analysis of site locations and the construction by Southshore of a 330,000 square foot distribution center for ZDS in three phases. Simultaneous with warehouse construction, Southshore continued to perform finished goods warehouse functions for ZDS including product receipt and storage, inventory control and management, and product shipment to ZDS customers. In addition, Southshore provided the critical dedicated transportation necessary for the project’s success.

This was a very demanding project since it was Southshore’s responsibility to ensure a seamless and time sensitive link from manufacturing to temporary, multiple offsite distribution facilities and then transitioning finished goods storage into newly completed sections of the warehouse as construction proceeded. While warehouse construction occurred, Southshore met strict shipping deadlines consistent with the demands of ZDS’s national retail consumer accounts, its retail distribution channels and a United States Department of Defense contract.

Our Locations
Corporate Office
233 Hawthorne Avenue
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

T: 269-983-2080
F: 269-983-7307


Michigan
3515 Lakeshore Drive
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

2024 Hawthorne Avenue
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085

331 Miller Street
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

9864 Church Street
Bridgman, Michigan 49106


Indiana
2421 S. Nappanee Street
Elkhart, Indiana 46517

T: 269-983-2080
F: 269-983-7307


Illinois
1500 Fort Jesse Road
Normal, Illinois 61761

T: 309-451-3500
F: 309-452-5926


Iowa
2101 E. 8th Street
Spencer, Iowa 51301

T: 712-580-5454
F: 712-580-5456


Nebraska
3000 Enterprise Avenue
York, Nebraska 68467

T: 402-362-2882