Toshiba Uses the Internet to Strengthen Worldwide Procurement of Components and Materials

10 September, 1996


Tokyo--Toshiba Corporation today announced that it will use the Internet to bring a new dimension to its worldwide procurement of components and materials. The company is listing descriptions and specifications of items it wants to purchase, and inviting suppliers to e-mail details of price, availability and other information.

This new approach is part of Toshiba's reinforcement of global purchasing. The company wants to procure from companies competitive in price, delivery, quality and service, thus assuring its own competitiveness across its wide range of business, from semiconductors to power plant. Procurement from outside Japan amounted to 341.6 billion yen last fiscal year, and is expected to rise to 500 billion yen by fiscal 1998, ending March 1999.

Use of the Internet will support Toshiba in finding and contacting new suppliers, procuring from the most competitive sources, establishing clear, speedy and effective communications, and developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relations with suppliers.

Commenting on the on-line system, Mr. Hideo Shimizu, General Manager of the Procurement Division, was very positive: "I see the Internet as having a very positive influence on our procurement. It gives us a powerful means for finding and working closely with potential suppliers, and I think it will also assure fairness, openness and our accessibility to suppliers."

In other moves to strengthen worldwide procurement, Toshiba is also enlarging its network of International Procurement Offices. Two new offices will open this coming October, in Vienna, Austria and Dallas, Texas, bringing to 11 the number of offices located in strategic locations around the world.

Toshiba International Procurement Home Page Address:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/procure/


Information in the press releases, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the press announcement,but is subject to change without prior notice.