Ericsson consolidates repair activities for printed board assemblies in Europe

Ericsson consolidates repair activities for printed board assemblies in Europe Ericsson's business area Infocom Systems has selected Manufacturers' Services, one of the world's largest suppliers of electronics manufacturing services, to provide repair services on demand for printed board assemblies for customers in Europe and the Middle East. This agreement means that over a period of time all European local repair of printed circuit assemblies will be consolidated. The decision to centralize and consolidate repair is part of a global hardware services strategy, which has been developed to improve customer service worldwide. The contract enables Ericsson to deliver an integrated 'World Class' Global Hardware Service. With logistics also being centralized in a new regional hardware services center in Rijen, Netherlands, the changes will mean a more responsive service chain, providing shorter lead times for customers and a more cost-effective operation. Hans Ahlinder, Director of Sourcing within Ericsson Infocom Systems said: "The outsourcing of this repair capability is in line with Ericsson Infocom Systems Sourcing Strategy which aims to focus on products and activities that require telecom and datacom competence. Ericsson clients' point of contact will not change as a result of this agreement. They will continue to be serviced by the Ericsson local companies in each country. " The measures are integral to the restructuring of the business area announced by Ericsson Infocom Systems at the end of 1997. Åke Enell, Vice President, Director of Customer Services, emphasized: "We chose Manufacturers' Services because it offers the capability and infrastructure to meet existing and future servicing demands to ensure a seamless transfer and the highest levels of service for our customers." "Ericsson is a leader in their industry and we are extremely pleased to add PCBA repair to the existing portfolio of services which we provide to them," said Jonathan Pyenson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Europe for Manufactuers´ Services. "They've built their business on innovation, reliability and performance; those are the same benchmarks by which we measure our own success." Manufacturers' Services Ltd. is a privately held global electronics manufacturing services company offering Total Cost of Ownership® solutions for OEMs in the networking, telecommunications, computer, peripherals, medical and industrial electronics industries. The company offers design, engineering, prototyping, production, logistics and after-market services. It has ISO 9000-certified supply sites and customer-dedicated fulfillment operations in Asia, Europe and the United States. Manufacturers' Services also has International Procurement Offices in Singapore and the Silicon Valley. The company has more than 3,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, USA. Ericsson´s 100,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones and infocom systems makes Ericsson a world-leading supplier in telecommunications. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Per Zetterquist, Director of Communications Ericsson Business Area Infocom Systems Phone: +46 8 719 0475 or +46 70 519 0475 Fred Kies, Director, Partners and Sourcing Customer Services, Ericsson Telecom AB Phone: +46 8 7194251, or +46 70 5194251