ATCHISON, Kan., November 3, 2011—Mal Warrick has been appointed corporate director of supply chain at MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq/MGPI).  Warrick has nearly 30 years of experience in supply chain operations, including six years with Hallmark Cards, Kansas City, Mo., and 22 years with Proctor and Gamble, principally at that company’s Kansas, Kan. location.

“Mal’s broad experience, which includes supply chain, engineering, operations and brand management, will be instrumental in moving the company forward and allowing us to accelerate the integration of growth opportunities,” said Scott Phillips, vice president of supply chain and operations.  “His previous experience in developing and implementing continuous improvement strategies will allow us to streamline processes and drive further productivity.”

In his role, Warrick will assist in providing oversight of continuous improvement initiatives company-wide. He will also be implementing improved productivity and business processes throughout the company.  Warrick will be responsible for the integration of supply chain activities with future growth acquisitions.

Prior to joining MGPI, Warrick worked for six years at Hallmark Cards. He served three years as operations logistics services director, which entailed leading a 430-person organization that included industrial design through distribution, managing critical interfaces and reducing annual fixture capital spend significantly with major retailers. Next, he worked as business process and lean management director from 2008 to 2011, which lead to his role as product integrity/operations technology and innovation support director until joining MGPI.

“I am excited to join MGP Ingredients,” Warrick said. “These are exciting times with our recent announcement to purchase Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana. I have been delighted and amazed as I have jumped in and learned about the food ingredient, alcohol and biopolymer businesses. The people here are committed and top notch, and I look forward to playing a key role in our success.”

Prior to joining Hallmark Cards, Warrick was employed by Procter and Gamble from 1982 to 2004, serving in key roles within supply chain operations. From 1982 to 1994, he worked at four Procter and Gamble facility locations in manager roles. In 1994, Warrick served as assistant brand manager in the household cleaners division of the company, where he conducted market analysis and market plan development. In 1996, he led the development of a three-year master plan for product and technology requirements in Proctor and Gamble’s laundry business, as strategic project manager/internal Proctor and Gamble lean consultant. In 1998, Warrick served as Kansas City plant manager, which entailed leading a production complex through significant change while also reducing total supply chain costs.

Warrick has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University. He has training in process management and continuous improvement to include the Lean Learning Center “Lean Experience” certification and Proctor and Gamble’s lean consultant certification.

About MGP Ingredients

In business since 1941, MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a recognized pioneer in the development and production of value–added, grain-based starches, proteins and food grade alcohol products for the branded packaged goods industry. The company has facilities in Atchison, Kan., and Onaga, Kan. that are equipped with the latest technologies to assure high quality products and to maintain efficient production and service capabilities.