The Material Handling Industry (MHI) and the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) have announced MHI's acquisition of WERC which will offer expanded knowledge and educational resources to both associations' audiences. MHI will operate WERC as a division of MHI. WERC was founded in 1977 when a number of individuals from the distribution field came together in search of education, research and networking opportunities in the field of warehousing. Since then, WERC has developed educational programs and conducted research concerning the warehousing process and to refine the art and science of managing warehouses. Today, WERC offers a variety of networking and educational opportunities for warehousing professionals, including the annual WERC educational conference, local WERC chapters, industry research, online learning and facility certification programs. WERC members are the leaders and influencers in the warehousing, distribution and fulfilment industries, across North America and around the world. "The acquisition of WERC complements our overall strategy to continue building our knowledge offering for the industry," says George W. Prest, MHI CEO. "This investment represents an important strategic opportunity offering additional value for both MHI and WERC membership. Together, our platform will be stronger and deliver more value to the industry and our members." Michael Mikitka, CEO of WERC, believes the move provides a major growth opportunity for both associations through an extended service offering for all members. "As our industry evolves, together our associations will leverage its resources to provide the products, services and information to advance distribution logistics professionals to do their jobs, excel in their careers and make a difference in the world," he says. Mikitka will join MHI as executive vice president of the MHI Knowledge Value Centre and will lead the WERC division within MHI. The expanded association will serve MHI's 840 member companies and WERC's 750 professional members.