Philips Lighting Announces Partnership with supplyFORCE.com e-Supply Chain Solution Enhanced by Strong Manufacturer Support

Business Wire, Sept 21, 2000

Business Editors

SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2000

Philips Lighting Company announced today a partnership with supplyFORCE.comsm, a premier provider of fully-integrated B2B e-commerce and supply chain management solutions for the procurement of MRO and construction supplies.

"A significant percentage of our business is to the MRO and construction supply industry. Timely customer service and technical product support are crucial to these customers. Most dot-com offerings do not satisfactorily address these needs. supplyFORCE.com, however, offers a unique e-supply solution," commented Steve Goldmacher, director of public affairs for Philips Lighting. "supplyFORCE.com's e-catalog and marketplace is supported by the largest network of independent distributors in North America, many of whom have been distributors of Philips Lighting's energy efficient and environmentally responsible products for years. These distributors and the quality service they provide enhance the value to the customer and set the supplyFORCE.com solution apart from other e-commerce offerings."

Through participation in the supplyFORCE.com net marketplace, Philips Lighting and its distributors will have a direct link to end-user customers. The supplyFORCE.com marketplace will significantly broaden Philips Lighting's customer reach and increase customer loyalty by providing an immediate communication channel for up-to-date product information, new product launches and knowledgeable technical support.

"supplyFORCE.com is uniquely positioned to provide value added service to all links in the supply chain -manufacturers, distributors and ultimately to the end-user customer," said Bill Weisberg, supplyFORCE.com chairman and CEO. "We are very pleased to offer Philips Lighting's award-winning products in our robust, multiple-vendor, e-catalog. supplyFORCE.com, collectively with leading manufacturers like Philips and our world-class distributor network, continues to enhance the product sourcing and purchasing experience of our customers."

Philips Lighting is providing in-depth product information and web content to be featured in the supplyFORCE.com e-catalog. The supplyFORCE.com e-catalog provides a user-friendly experience for buyers who know the exact specifications for the exact product required, as well as for customers who need the help of a general search.

About Philips Lighting Company

Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, Philips Lighting Company markets more than 3,000 lighting products to the retail, industrial commercial, consumer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) markets. Philips Lighting innovations have included ALTO low-mercury lamp technology, the compact fluorescent lamp, QL Induction Lighting and the halogen automotive headlamp. As part of the largest lighting company in the world, Philips Lighting employs almost 10,000 people in manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities throughout North America. The Philips Consumer Information Network number is 1-800-555-0050. Philips Lighting Company Worldwide can be accessed at http://www.lighting.philips.com. Philips Lighting North America can be accessed at http://www.lighting.philips.com/nam.> About supplyFORCE.com

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, supplyFORCE.com is dedicated to providing its industrial, commercial and contractor customers with national account and integrated supply solutions and Web procurement options. It enables its Participating Distributors to participate in e-commerce by developing private label catalogs and by routing orders from the supplyFORCE.com marketplace. Its leading North American network of over 3400 distributor locations provides timely delivery by maintaining more than $2 billion in inventory. supplyFORCE.com's "clicks and mortar" solutions empower customers to meet individual and corporate procurement requirements and to participate in sophisticated e-business initiatives while maintaining relationships with local distributors. For more information about supplyFORCE.com, please visit http://www.supplyforce.com.