Ypsilanti-based beer distributor announces new routing software to enhance efficiency, sustainability

April 11, 2024

O&W Inc. pioneers sustainable solutions ahead of Earth Day

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Just ahead of Earth Day on April 22, southeast Michigan beer distributor O&W Inc. is excited to implement new routing software that will optimize delivery routes, increase operational efficiency and enhance order accuracy.

 

“We’re thrilled to launch this transformative project that will revolutionize our sales and delivery operations,” said Kit Wanty-Lambert, president of O&W Inc. “By leveraging advanced routing software, we aim to streamline our delivery processes, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and employee safety.”

 

Key highlights of the new routing software integration include:

 

  • Creating summer and winter delivery plans to accommodate seasonal demand fluctuations. O&W Inc. sells nearly double the amount of beer in June and July versus January and February.
  • Reducing the number of delivery days from five to four, resulting in a more efficient use of resources and a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Encouraging accounts to hold more inventory, helping to minimize the need for frequent deliveries and further reducing environmental impact. With orders in the system earlier in the day, night crew workers will get home earlier, enhancing work-life balance for employees.

 

“We will be tracking the monthly impact of these changes to drive improvement,” said Benjamin Brinson, delivery manager at O&W Inc. “By rerouting trucks to cut one delivery day, we keep seven trucks that get five miles per gallon idle, saving fuel and reducing commuter trips — an important step in our company’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation.”

 

Founded in 1933, O&W Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned beer distributor serving a seven-county footprint in southeast Michigan that includes parts of Wayne County. With nearly 200 workers, the company prioritizes sustainability, actively engaging in recycling initiatives and implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations.

 

“Embracing change for environmental progress is paramount for our company's mission, which necessitates a willingness to innovate and adapt," said Isabel Wanty, vice president of human resources and operations at O&W Inc. “Every member of our team plays a vital role in making decisions that drive us toward our shared environmental goals.”

 

By integrating innovation into its longstanding tradition of excellence, O&W Inc. strives to uphold its legacy while championing a more sustainable future for its customers, employees and the communities where they live and work.

 

“Beer distributors work hard, but we can also work smart,” said Andy Roe, director of strategy and analytics at O&W Inc. “On this Earth Day, the team at O&W Inc. is proud of the continuous improvements we are making to be responsible business partners and environmental stewards.”

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).

Detroit News: Rooted in Community, Driven to Lead: Women in Michigan’s Beer and Wine Distribution Industry

By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.