Nikon and DHL sign logistics contract

– Nikon Europe has chosen DHL Solutions to handle all its incoming and outgoing goods and to provide warehousing and value added services. DHL Solutions will supply the entire European and African marketing area of Nikon from the European Distribution Centre in The Netherlands. DHL Solutions will take full responsibility throughout the complete supply chain, including management and execution from pick up at source in the Far East to local logistics centres of DHL in Hong Kong. From there DHL will forward the shipments by air to Beringe, The Netherlands, where the central European logistic centre from DHL Solutions is situated. Together with three regional logistics centres in Europe all goods will be distributed to wholesalers for fine distribution to the shops. Nikon, a leading manufacturer in the global imaging industry, has special and very clear requirements for security during transport and storage. DHL’s integrated IT systems allow the tracking of the goods throughout the supply chain. The logistic process also includes supervised inventory storage, repackaging products for consumer kits with accessories or specific lenses, scanning the kits for warranty purposes, inserting instruction manuals in the appropriate European languages, repackaging goods for seasonal or special offer campaigns and managing the return flow. For returns, DHL Solutions will perform the intake check and a simple functional test. DHL also handles all customs procedures, including bonded warehousing and the related financial administration. Karel Van Ellinkhuizen, DHL’s Managing Director for the Netherlands, explains that the main reason Nikon chose DHL Solutions is the wide range of logistics options that DHL offers as well as the company’s global coverage. “We are very proud of the fact that a leading Japanese manufacturer places its trust in DHL Solutions as Japanese companies usually choose third parties from Japan.” Further Van Ellinkhuizen said: “The recently agreed contract with Nikon Europe serves as a perfect example of DHL’s business strategy of taking over more and more of the logistics activities that manufacturing companies perform. Customers appreciate having a single comprehensive logistics provider.” About Nikon Corporation Nikon Corporation, founded in 1917, secured its place as a pioneer of optical glass technology in Japan. With continued growth and expertise, Nikon now offers a diverse range of products from its world-renowned consumer and professional photographic equipment to industrial precision equipment. Nikon Europe B.V., distributes a wide range of imaging products from consumer to professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; Coolscan digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's exclusive feature system, making it easy for anyone to take amazing pictures. For more information on Nikon products, visit www.europe-nikon.com. Deutsche Post World Net is the world’s leading logistics group. Its integrated Deutsche Post, DHL and Postbank companies offer tailored, customer-focused solutions for the management and transport of goods, information and payments through a global network combined with local expertise. Deutsche Post World Net is also the leading provider of Dialog Marketing services, with a unique portfolio of efficient outsourcing and system solutions for the mail business. Some 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide generated revenue of €43 bn ($58 billion) in 2004. Note for the editorial staff (not for publication): For more information, please contact: DHL Solutions Ilko Wiersma Communications Solutions The Netherlands T. 0031 (0)165 573 300 M. 0031 (0)6 51584213 DHL Benelux Thera Duijndam Manager Corporate Communications Benelux T. 0031 (0) 33 25 77 105 M. 0031 (0)6 534 643 09 For illustrations please contact: DHL Solutions Ilko Wiersma Communications Solutions The Netherlands T. 0031 (0)165 573 300 M. 0031 (0)6 51584213 Email: ilko.wiersma@dhl.com