SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan 11, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), announced today it continues to grow its North America footprint within the consumer electronics (CE) and Digital Home markets, signing several top tier CE manufacturers including Alpine Electronics, Belkin Pure A/V, Byd:sign, Kenwood, Peerless, Samsung, Sharp CE, Sony and Viewsonic. In addition, Ingram Micro Canada continues to see opportunities within its Xtreme Division, teaming with leading CE manufacturers Da-Lite, Hitachi, In Focus Screen Play, Microsoft X-Box, Optoma, Prosonic, Sanus Systems and Sanyo.
Focused on building new relationships with emerging and established CE manufacturers, as well as expanding relationships with current IT manufacturers, Ingram Micro's line card now includes hot technologies such as flat-screen plasma and LCD TVs, IP surveillance solutions, wireless networking and personal technologies that outfit the home, the person or the automobile. Combined with Ingram Micro's traditional technology solutions, these CE offerings open the distributor's doors to a wider audience of customers including solution providers, custom installers and CEDIA dealers, as well as direct marketers, e-tailers and retailers.
"We're serious about building upon the successes we've achieved this year with our CE manufacturers and look forward to 2005," said Keith Bradley, president, Ingram Micro North America. "The CE space and Digital Home market have proven to be promising growth strategies for us, as well as many of our manufacturer partners and customers."
Ingram Micro's Digital Lifestyle
Technological advancements are no longer limited to corporate settings. Smart or Digital Homes have increased in prevalence ushering in a new era of unique technical necessity. According to Parks Associates*, with over half of U.S. homes equipped with Internet connectivity and more than 30 percent possessing more than one computer, consumers have become technologically savvy. To cater to this market, Ingram Micro has developed the Digital Lifestyle initiative that bridges partners to solution providers and creates a host of new and useful applications enabling personal productivity while enhancing the end user's lifestyle.
"Digital homes are designed to offer ease and convenience to the owner, but often require complex installations and technical know-how by solution providers. As the consumer electronics segment expands multi-vendor solutions will be required to meet the unique demands of today's tech-savvy consumer," said Bill Ablondi, an analyst at Parks Associates. "In order to satisfy consumers' desire for compelling technology, broader availability of specialized training will be necessary to reach the next stage of market growth."
Aiding in making the Digital Lifestyle a reality for its customers, Ingram Micro is building real-world Digital Home demonstrations within its Solution Centers in Buffalo, New York and Santa Ana, California. Customers participating in this unique interactive environment will see first-hand how the multi-vendor mix comes together to deliver compelling end-user solutions.
"From offering products from top tier manufacturers to having the technical know-how on how to bring it all together, Ingram Micro has proven it is a market leader and a solid resource and business partner to today's technology players," continued Bradley.
Ingram Micro Logistics -- Enhanced Supply Chain Extends Customer Reach
Ingram Micro Logistics (IML) has also taken initiative with new consumer electronics partners, bringing premier logistics capabilities to top manufacturers that help ensure improved delivery and often decreasing costs. New logistics partners such as Alpine Electronics have reaped the benefit of IML's capabilities.
Alpine Electronics is a leading provider of car audio/video and navigation systems catering to luxury automotive OEMs and aftermarket retailers. Alpine's Canadian operations required a cost effective, highly scalable solution capable of handling seasonal spikes. IML's solution provided them with the logistics system needed to support the coast-to-coast dealer network, including OEM car manufacturers, increasing efficiencies throughout the supply chain. As a result, IML's scalable solution significantly improved retailer service levels, reduced delivery times and enabled freight savings through aggregation. Additionally, Alpine Canada benefited from a variable pricing model that was easy to understand and budget, and provided extensive visibility and reporting to corporate headquarters.
"Since we teamed with Ingram Micro Logistics, we've effectively increased our relationships with our customers while reducing operating costs significantly," said Michael Brawley, vice president of sales/general manager for Alpine Electronics, Canada. "Ingram Micro Logistics has assisted us with valuable efficiencies and our success has resonated throughout the organization."
For more partnership, sales or logistics information contact Ingram Micro sales at 1(800) 456-8000 or Ingram Micro Logistics at (714) 382-4845.
About Ingram Micro Inc.
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com/corp.
*According to Bill Ablondi of Parks Associates, January 2005
(C) 2005 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners
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SOURCE Ingram Micro Inc.
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