European Tech Data announces initiative that extends support to its Middle East operations

The push, according to Eliot Shepherd, marketing director of Tech Data FZ-LLC, results from new appointments, process streamlining and growth of Tech Data Europe's supplies division. "The immediate impact that we are going to see in our operations is faster delivery of our supplies requirements from our parent company," says Shepherd. "This eventually translates with less stock requirements in supplies in our regional warehouses, faster and more cost efficient deliveries of IT supplies to the regional reseller market."

In the past three months, the Tech Data Supplies VBU has seen its sales grow well ahead of the market as the impact of the company's centralized business unit model took effect. The company has also announced that Klaus Schlichtherle, Managing Director of the PC Components Vertical Business Unit for Tech Data Europe, is taking charge of the Supplies Vertical Business Unit. "The centralized supplies business is now fully integrated into the Tech Data organization and we are starting to see the positive results of that," says Schlichtherle. "We have an exceptional, highly motivated team in place and a fantastic team spirit. We are right on track to achieve our goals and we intend to grow our pan-European Supplies business significantly during 2002." This growth followed the establishment of the centralized operations and a pan-European Vertical Business Unit (VBU) for the supplies market.

In addition, Tech Data has made two new appointments to its centralized Supplies operation, naming Janis Kemers as the new International Director, Supplies and Suza Herceg, International Product & MarCom Manager, Supplies. Previously, both held local management positions within the Tech Data Group.

Tech Data is already the leading distributor of supplies products across Europe and plans to strengthen that position over the coming 12 months, along with extending the performance to Tech Data FZ-LLC "We plan to extend our lead further this year," Schlichtherle continues. "Supplies make up a significant part of our overall business and provide additional stability as well as strong growth potential. Fewer people may be buying printers and other peripherals, but they still need to replenish their stocks of consumable supplies on a regular basis. This is why the European supplies business is so important to us and why Tech Data is making sure that it has the resources and the services in place to meet the needs of its customers."

This combination of centralized purchasing and logistics, combined with a local presence in every market, makes Tech Data's pan-European offerings unique says Schlichtherle. "With these strengths we are able to compete, not only with other broadline distributors operating on a pan-European and a national basis, but also with the specialist supplies distribution companies. Our economy of scale and proven business model make Tech Data unique in terms of pan-European distribution."

Tech Data Europe has a pan-European franchise with Hewlett-Packard. Negotiations are taking place at the present time with a number of additional vendors and the details of further pan-European distribution contracts will be announced soon.

The company's aim over the next 12 months is to develop a comprehensive pan-European supplies portfolio, says Schlichtherle. "We have a strong portfolio already but over the next few months we expect to make several significant additions to our catalogue that will bolster our leadership position in the pan-European supplies market."

A number of new initiatives that will address the needs of specific groups of resellers, such as retailers and SMB resellers, are also being planned by the Tech Data Supplies VBU. "These pan-European programs will be tailored locally to suit the needs of customers in specific countries or regions As the reseller channel approaches maturity in Middle East, we are working today with our mother company to design programs that help reseller maximize their sales of high-margin products, such as large-format printers, storage and media," ended Shepherd.

end