WAL-MART GLOBAL PROCUREMENT ENHANCES QUALITY CONTROL IN CHINA
11 Jul 2008
The Global Procurement organization of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced today an enhancement to its quality control processes by selecting Intertek Group plc to provide final inspection services for merchandise sourced in China. With more than 25 offices in China, Intertek was chosen because of its extensive quality capabilities, category expertise,and geographical coverage.
Wal-Mart anticipates 180 associates will be displaced with the change to Intertek effective immediately. In addition to providing compensation, the company will provide assistance to all impacted associates through career transitioning workshops and outplacement services. Wal-Mart currently employs more than 50,000 people in China through its Global Procurement andretail operations, and will grow along with additional retailexpansion.
“Quality is a top priority for Wal-Mart. It is an area where we continuously challenge ourselves for improvement. Intertek will provide us with an independent assessment of product quality, which will help ensure only merchandise that meets or exceeds our specifications will be approved for shipment,” said Jeff Macho, senior vice president and managing director of Wal-Mart Global Procurement.
“We recognize that our customers expect world-class quality. Through this change, Wal-Mart will be able to enhance our own business efficiency and effectiveness, while offering outstanding products to our customers,” said Tony Judge, vice president, quality assurance for Wal-Mart Global Procurement.
About Intertek
Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success inthe global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 21,000 people in 110 countries around the world.
About Wal-Mart Global Procurement and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.(NYSE:WMT)
Wal-Mart Global Procurement was established in 2002 to facilitate the direct purchasing of merchandise. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the organizationhas over 1700 associates sourcing products from 50 countries.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters ,Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador,Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom and, through a partnership, in India. The Company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.