DHL and Nokia Siemens Networks Join Forces to Bolster Supply Chain Management in Kingdom's Telecommunications Industry

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, November 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

DHL Express, the world's leading cross-border express services provider, has entered a partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to jointly enhance the supply chain management model for a Saudi telecommunications provider. Under the three-year agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will leverage DHL's extensive footprint and network in Saudi Arabia to establish a Kingdom-wide domestic express distribution of telecommunications and mobile spare parts.

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As the third-party logistics partner, DHL will provide storage and inventory management solutions for NSN, by consolidating inventory from 10 existing locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosting spare parts operations, and repositioning these to DHL Express multi-user facilities in strategic locations across Saudi Arabia, at Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran. In addition, DHL will also take on value-added services such as the coordination of customer service activities through the management of the NSN call centre based in Dubai.

"Given the complexity and geography of service required, DHL has demonstrated tremendous experience and knowledge in ensuring the success of a robust distribution system for Nokia Siemens Networks in Saudi Arabia.  Over the last five months, the team has truly embodied the Can-Do spirit despite various challenges, and maintained clear lines of communication throughout the process," said Andres Fuentes, Hardware Services Operations Manager (Middle East Centre), Nokia Siemens Networks. "We are heartened to partner DHL whom we are confident would continue to enable us in delivering the most cost efficient results and quality for our customers."

"We see a growing trend of companies in the IT and telecom sectors outsourcing their spare parts logistics operations, so they can focus on their core business. With strong domestic network coverage in Saudi Arabia, DHL is well-positioned to deliver an efficient and effective distribution system for Nokia Siemens Networks," said Nour Suliman, CEO of DHL Express for Middle East and North Africa. "By delivering on our commitment to excellent customer service through speed, accuracy and reliability, DHL is dedicated to the success of our customers."

The Nokia Siemens Networks' mobile spare parts are manufactured and shipped from Eastern Europe and China to Saudi Arabia through DHL's global network. To monitor whether the spare parts are in stock and in transition, DHL will also implement a highly-efficient warehouse system which will ensure inventory accuracy, visibility into stockpile and asset value accountability.

"At the core of this partnership, the key objective was to enable Nokia Siemens Networks and their telecommunications client to focus on core business expertise and competencies. NSN looked towards DHL for a reliable and trustworthy logistics partner who can deliver a bespoke supply chain management solution that meets growing business requirements," said Dirk van Doorn, Vice President, Multi-National Companies, DHL Express, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The partnership is a strong endorsement of DHL's network capabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where we have unrivaled local coverage and a dedicated workforce on the ground that is fully committed to the success of this partnership."

DHL is also committed to maintaining 24 hours service levels 365 days a year, and to delivering a time definite domestic service to meet pressing customer demands of telecommunication spare parts. Through the DHL Domestic Express product, the end-user will enjoy a guaranteed delivery service within specific time frames between 2- 6 hours anywhere across KSA.

The agreement with Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the many tailor-made express supply chain management solutions DHL offers companies globally.

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DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

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