VES-Artex is pleased to welcome Freddy Wendt as the company’s newest addition to its purchasing team. In his role Freddy will support day-to-day operations of VES-Artex supply chain planning.

Wendt brings nearly two decades of experience in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. Previously, Freddy spent 20 years working in the Madison, Wisconsin area at Sub-Zero, where he began on the warehouse floor unloading trucks, checking inventory, and receiving materials. Over time, his responsibilities grew into supply chain management and purchasing, as well as transportation logistics, giving him a first-hand understanding of not only how materials move through a system but why the details matter.

“I’ve always looked for opportunities to take on more and help improve the process,” Wendt says, adding that the flexibility and opportunity to grow attracted him to his new role. “This new position gives me the chance to contribute beyond just placing orders. I am excited to help move the supply chain side of the VES-Artex business forward.”

Wendt’s day-to-day role centers on purchasing and supply chain planning which includes managing purchase orders, evaluating demand, working with vendors and helping the company continue to evolve its buying strategy as it grows.

While purchasing in the dairy industry is new for Wendt, the dairy industry and agriculture, itself, is not.

Farmer-First Business

“I was born and raised around agriculture, and my uncles operate dairy farms here in northern Wisconsin,” he shares. “I’ve always enjoyed being on a farm, and it feels good to come back to an industry that’s been part of my family for generations.”

VES-Artex CEO, Ed Krasnov explains that Wendt’s background and experience align with the company’s dedication to a farmer-first business.

“As VES-Artex continues to grow, building the right team is critical to how we serve and support our customers,” Krasnov shares. “Adding Freddy strengthens our supply chain and purchasing capabilities, which directly supports the level of service our dealers and dairy producers expect, but his understanding of the dairy industry at a producer-level and the importance of timeliness in the industry is just as important.”

Wendt joined VES-Artex earlier this month and says he’s looking forward to being part of a collaborative team and supporting an industry that is a cornerstone of his home state of Wisconsin.

“After spending 20 years in the Madison area, my wife and I decided it was time to move back to the Chippewa Falls area to be closer to family,” Wendt said. “Raising our family near family is important to us, and coming home, both to the area and to agriculture, felt like the right move.”