Fujitsu Siemens launches state-of-the-art UAE assembly plant

The assembly facility, which will open next month, is expected to assemble around 100,000 PCs a year. This agreement, which is unique to the region, enables Fujitsu Siemens Computers to deliver complete end-to-end solutions to customers throughout the Middle East.

The partnership with PWC Logistics enables Fujitsu Siemens Computers to deliver PCs to the region within an average time of five to eight days - nearly 50% faster than the present industry standard. The components will be sent from Germany and other parts of the world to Dubai, where the PCs will be assembled locally.

"This landmark deal for Fujitsu Siemens Computers means that we can significantly shorten our product order life cycle, thanks in part to PWC Logistics' integrated end-to-end logistics solution and to our complete assembly facility here in the UAE,"

said Bernd Bischoff, President and CEO, Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

Located in PWC Logistics' Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) facility, the new 1,500 square metre assembly plant, which is directly modelled on the I.T giant's ultra-modern German production facility in Augsburg, is a sizeable investment in the Middle East and highlights the company's continuing commitment to its region-wide customers. The assembly plant, which houses all the same machinery, operating procedures, methodology and quality control as its German counterpart, will be managed by senior Fujitsu Siemens Computers' staff trained at Augsburg.

"This is a major step for Fujitsu Siemens Computers as it demonstrates the importance we place upon the Middle East market, which is growing at an average rate of 51% for our company. This assembly plant helps to support our facilities in Germany, and will ensure that the extremely high levels of quality will be mirrored in this plant," added Bischoff.

This announcement comes hard on the heels of Fujitsu Siemens Computers posting record revenue of €6.7 billion* for 2005, with the Middle East and Africa proving to be the fastest growing region for the I.T. giant.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers' innovative 'Made4You' solution, which offers tailor-made products for individual customer requirements, will be a key component of the new assembly plant, meaning that customers can receive specified products within days of order placement.

"This build-to-order solution is one of the company's strongest selling points and by including this feature at our assembly plant, we will be in a position to offer our regional customers considerable flexibility in terms of their device configurations within very reasonable delivery times," said Habib Bouchrara, Vice President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Fujitsu Siemens Computers.

PWC Logistics, a leading global provider of integrated supply chain solutions, was selected to partner Fujitsu Siemens Computers because of its comprehensive logistics capabilities and its extensive world-wide network.

"As a company, we fully met the requirements outlined by Fujitsu Siemens Computers. This deal leverages our complete range of services such as freight, transportation, warehousing, assembly, order fulfilment and distribution," said Tarek Sultan, PWC Logistics Chairman and Managing Director.

"To be involved in creating a completely unique, integrated service solution for the region with one of the most respected I.T. industry players, signals our growing stature as a truly global logistics player."

PWC Logistics will be responsible for the shipping throughput for Fujitsu Siemens Computers, which includes the delivery of all components from Germany and the transportation of finished products throughout the Middle East.