This month Markitforce unveiled the quarterly theme launch across all sites: Full Steam Ahead. This theme is a great way to see out the outstanding year we’ve had at Markitforce and is a culmination of the past 18 months of theme launches leading us to today.

The management team really took to the part by dressing up with our CEO as ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and our gracious Warehouse Manager’s Bill and Bobby playing the role of a very convincing ‘The Fat Controller’. The team were allocated with a jigsaw piece as they arrived, sharing puzzled looks as to why and patiently waited for their piece of the puzzle to be called to the front. Each piece of the puzzle represented the important role every single individual played in the business from; reception, account management, finance, IT, despatch, inventory, pick pack and production. Once the puzzle was complete, Thomas the Tank Train came to life!

The message behind ‘Full Steam Ahead’ refers to the platform that our business is about to launch – a new WMS system which has been several months in the making. This will streamline and improve process and procedures to achieve superior results in all aspects of our business.

We welcomed guest speaker George who is the project manager from our new WMS provider to introduce some new ideas and concepts with the new system implementation and to take questions from the team.

The day also happened to coincide with the race that stops a nation – Melbourne Cup, where all staff were invited to create a hat in the spirit of ‘Country Colours’. Of the numerous entries in the hat competition we had 4 stand outs who each won a prize and bragging rights to the best hats of 2014. We all participated in sweeps with many happy (and some unhappy) punters.

All in all the day was a success filled with fun, excitement around the quarter ahead, and Melbourne Cup winners.

As a voluntary signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) in 2011, the team at Markitforce have worked hard on continuing to deliver our green philosophy by strengthening our sustainability program.

We are pleased to announce that after another committed year, we have once again passed our annual audit from the Australian Packaging Covenant for the Financial Year ending 2013.

This is a great result for Markitforce and reinforces our commitment to our customers by delivering a high quality service whilst having a positive impact on the environment.

Congratulations to our team on a great result. We look forward to another year of innovation and finding new ways to improve our above average rating.

It’s that fabulous time of year again, no not Christmas; it’s time for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea where we all get to “EAT CAKE” in the name of Charity!!

On Thursday May 22nd, Markitforce took part in the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea event, a chance to take 5 and enjoy our colleagues company over a bite to eat and a cup of tea, while raising money to help this fantastic charity beat Cancer!

Diets were broken and gold coins donated for delicious chocolate dipped strawberries, rocky road pieces, amazing slices and the humble lamington…team Markitforce did not disappoint.

A successful and enjoyable morning was had by all and we look forward to supporting the Cancer Council again next year.

What is 10m high, has a full length canopy and features 8,000 square metres? Our new Melbourne site.

Markitforce Melbourne has out grown its premises in Clayton Victoria, and we are excited to unveil the new and improved purpose built facility on Dandenong Road in Dandenong South. Just 3 short weeks ago this was a patch of dirt, and its fast becoming a Markitforce icon! Due for completion by 1st February our newest facility will boast all the mod cons of a 21st century warehouse and includes a climate controlled facility, bonded warehouse, full sprinkler system, wrap around driveway, state of the art training and office facility and more roller doors than you can poke a stick at!

With easy access to East Link and Monash Freeways, this site will be just the right place to grow with our valued customers. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.

What does being ON TRACK mean to you? This quarter it means establishing core department KPI’s for the team at Markitforce.

To launch the ON TRACK theme that will run from May through July (Q2, 2013) Markitforce unveiled the theme in warehouses that were converted to the scene of an Olympic Athletics stadium to celebrate with some seriously fun activities in the name of KPI’s.

The team arrived dressed as their favourite Olympians and watched on as the Olympic torch was carried in by Chief Engagement Officer Alan Higgins (dressed as a quirky track athlete). After enjoying a BBQ breaky the team of Markitforce Olympians were divided into teams red, blue, yellow and green for the ultimate clash of the colours and the glory of standing on the “pallet” podium! Who will come out on top…..? The team that triumphs over all across 3 gruelling team challenges: the egg & spoon race, tunnel ball, and soccer ball bounce challenge!

And the winner in both sites is….Team Red!!! Captained in Sydney by the fearless Headmistress Shirley McMullen (aka HR Manager), and in Melbourne by the effervescent Sarah Fletcher our Chief of Staff. Both Shirley and Sarah lead their teams to victory with sheer determination, motivation, courage and some good old cheating behaviour.

A big shout out to our best dressed prize winners; the sporting enthusiasts Venus & Serena Williams, the synchronised swimming team who braved the cold on a chilly morning in May, our iconic Belfast Giants Ice Hockey star, and who can forget our Ian Thorpe impersonator and Olympic Weight Lifter!

After a successful launch in Sydney & Melbourne, the ON TRACK theme now means providing on track customer service, on track invoicing, on track issue resolution, on track receiving, on track pick/pack, on track inventory, on track despatch, on track transport, on track delivery, on track performance and being on track with department KPI’s!!

It was a frosty and refreshing 6am start on Sunday 19th May for 6 very eager Markitforce participants competing in the prestigious Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon! Joining 10,000 other crazy Sydney-siders, these enthusiastic, driven and brave individuals oozed with Markitforce spirit as they stepped up to the start line to take on the ultimate challenge – 21.1 kms of gruelling sweat, tears, aches and dehydration on the blistering terrain of Sydney’s urban and city streets!

Thankful for its beauty and serenity they enjoyed in excess of 120mins on the scenic roads of Sydney’s CBD, Circular Quay, Pyrmont and the botanical gardens in the name of Markitforce!

Everyone was a winner as they crossed the finish line with all 6 contestants finishing in great spirits and achieving their own PB’s. Great job Team Markitforce. We are proud of each and every one of you!

Now to drum up more participants for next year…!!!