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.”

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

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).