BEFORE SUNRISE, IWS Logistics Inc. (IWS) — a locally owned company specializing in logistics, manufacturing, and transportation — is already in motion. The staff coordinates routes, oversees production, and prepares trucks for another full day.
Unlike national carriers, IWS thrives on relationships and community trust, treating every shipment and product as a promise. For over 30 years, the team has worked to problem-solve, adapt, and personally connect with clients, driven by reliability, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of hometown pride.
SMALL, BUT MIGHTY
Since 1991, IWS has provided top-quality logistics services to Tullahoma and surrounding counties. More than three decades later, the company remains deeply rooted in its local community while expanding its reach
across the region and beyond. Its steady growth reflects a commitment to more than just logistics, offering tailored support in manufacturing and transportation to meet the evolving needs of clients at every level.
The company manages shipments within and outside its service area, coordinating deliveries for a variety of customers. Beyond logistics, they produce kits for Carrier HVAC and operate a skiving machine to cut foam sheets using materials from JSP.
According to Director of Operations Kim Clark, the company’s flexibility sets it apart. While IWS doesn’t run large assembly lines, its small-scale manufacturing has supported many companies over the years. Often mistaken for just warehousing, IWS provides customized production, reliable transport, and hands-on service, making it a versatile and essential industry partner.
“We are essentially three companies under one umbrella that includes logistics, manufacturing, and transportation,” Clark said. “You can consider us a full-service logistics company. We are local here and travel to neighboring areas such as Lynchburg, Fayetteville, Manchester, and then we have another route that covers Kentucky, East Tennessee, and Alabama.”
ONE TEAM, ONE FAMILY
According to Clark, the company’s 12 employees make up a tight-knit workforce where teamwork is key.
“I came from working for a larger company, so it was a little bit of an adjustment,” she said. “But it has been so refreshing to be a part of a smaller group of employees. Everyone here cares about each other. It’s very much like one big family. When it comes to teamwork, we’re a small operation, so flexibility is key. If someone’s out, others step in and shift roles to keep things running. For example, one of our warehouse guys trained on the skiving machine, so when we were short-staffed and the other operator wasn’t fully trained yet, he jumped in to help. If production slows down, we’ll move folks over to kit assembly. We just adjust and place people where they’re needed most. Everyone has their main role, but at the end of the day, we all pitch in wherever we’re needed.”
Clark said teamwork is what she loves most about her job.
“I love that it’s small and that we can operate both as a business and a family,” she said. “This also allows our employees to have a well-balanced quality of life. They can attend those important moments or milestones for their children while also being able to come in and provide for their families. With larger companies, you may not have the opportunity, but here, we can offer it to our employees. The board is also very generous. The board agreed several years ago to incur all the expenses for their medical insurance, so they don’t pay out-of-pocket for that. So, just different things we can do because we are small.”
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
With a smaller workforce comes a close-knit office. Clark is one of three women who keep the company’s administrative side running smoothly, managing everything from HR to shipping and scheduling.
“I handle human resources,” she explained. “I take care of all of the accounting on-site except for accounts payable. I’m also over insurance, and I make sure the trucks are certified and inspected, and all their maintenance is taken care of. Shelia Wiseman covers all our shipping and receiving for the warehousing side. She’s also the front desk person and has been with the company for over 20 years.”
She said the third key member, Rachel Marshall, plays an equally vital role.
“She handles accounts payable and receivable. She’s also over the manufacturing division, so she orders all the components for the kits and handles scheduling those orders,” Clark added.
The teamwork among the three women is something Clark deeply values.
“Each task they take on is extremely important, and I couldn’t do it without them,” she said. “Honestly, for most of my life, I have worked alongside men. And while that was fine, I just really appreciate the two women I work alongside each day. We work together so well and are all working towards the same mission, and work hard to support each other however we can. While we are a small crew, we are mighty.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As IWS approaches 35 years in business, Clark said the company has no plans to slow down. She’s eager to deepen community ties and continue expanding opportunities.
“We are looking forward to being more involved in the chamber and reminding the community that we are here and ready to help businesses that can benefit from our services,” she added.
She also hopes to see more local job opportunities created as the business grows.
“We are always working to keep the company relevant and help ensure that those people who have such good working positions get to continue that on,” she said. “While we don’t have huge profit margins, we do have a great place to work that supports us, and we support each other. It’s a family work environment I thought I’d never have, but I’m so grateful for and only want to see thrive as we move forward.” GN
