The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland was established in 1944 as a collection site for material resources shipped to war-torn Europe. Over the years, we have worked together with denominational and private nonprofit organizations to help meet needs of people in the U.S. and around the globe. The Material Resources Distribution Center, located on the Brethren Service Center campus, inventories, packs and ships goods routinely as well as during times of crisis and disaster. As a result, we have developed extraordinary expertise in preparing goods for emergency shipment. Utilizing our ability to pack and to document ensures that shipments reach their destination in good condition and on time.

Services Offered

Material Resources offers a variety of services including

Warehousing
Inventory control
Picking and packing
Shipping & Tracking
Purchasing
Clothing processing
Long distance hauling

Special Services

Material Resources staff can purchase on behalf of customers, whether the need is tools, parts, clothing, medical supplies or building supplies. Clothing donated by church agencies is processed through sorting, bailing, coding, storing and shipping.

Warehousing and Inventory Control

Climate-controlled 52,000 square foot area, including racked areas and bulk storage areas
Cold storage in refrigerated area
Perimeter electronic security system
Vault area for securing small equipment and valuable stock
IBM iSeries system is used for material location, inventory records and expiration date tracking
Racking by pallets and individually
Modern equipment, including two hi-lifts, one loader and electric walkers

Picking and Packing

Packing area designed for convenient flow
Custom crate construction
Ability to strap containers with steel
Skilled staff, experienced in careful, efficient handling of a wide variety of goods and materials

Flexibility

Material Resources' long experience of handling export and import shipments makes us uniquely capable of tailoring our services to your worldwide needs. We have the flexibility to set up systems and train personnel on short notice to solve your specific shipping or distribution problem.

Items the Distribution Center has successfully and competitively handled include

books and training materials, including audiovisuals
medicines, including vaccines
medical supplies
medical equipment
dental equipment and office furnishings
vehicles and motorcycles
personal effects for field staff
clothing
disaster recovery supplies, including tents, tarps, water purification systems
equipment for hydro-electric dam construction
hospital supplies and furniture

Long Distance Hauling

Two tractors, four trailers and a 28' straight truck w/ tailgate lift make up the truck fleet. Truckers routinely pick up and deliver materials at BWI Airport and the piers of the Port of Baltimore.

High Efficiency, Real Care

Our staff is highly trained and highly motivated, most having over 10 years experience. They work carefully, responsibly, and reliably. You can trust them with your most sensitive shipments and most valuable materials.

The Distribution Center employs 13 full time people, including truck drivers, highlift operators, pickers, packers, and office personnel. The staff is augmented by part-time personnel and volunteers as needed. A full-time manager oversees daily operations to ensure quality control and efficiency. Computers are used to systemize work flow, control inventory, and track shipping.

A Partial List of Clients Served