FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whirlpool Corporation Taps CombineNet for Advanced Sourcing
Whirlpool Corporation Signs Enterprise Agreement with CombineNet for Large Strategic
Sourcing Projects Based on Previous Successes
PITTSBURGH, PA—January 18, 2006
CombineNet, the leading provider of advanced sourcing and optimization technologies,
announced that Whirlpool has signed an Enterprise Agreement tapping CombineNet to
host several strategic sourcing projects in 2006. The Enterprise Agreement includes
two transportation sourcing events, one for global ocean freight and one for North
American truckload shipping, as well as an undisclosed number of additional sourcing
projects. The North American truckload project will take advantage of CombineNet
Truckload, a self-service advanced sourcing tool released in October 2005. Whirlpool
previously worked with CombineNet on three other sourcing projects.
Whirlpool is committed to deploying CombineNet's technology throughout 2006 based
on the tremendous success we've achieved in our previous projects," said Steve
Alsbro, Global Transportation Services Procurement Manager. "The ability to
source and manage a very complex global shipping network, balancing value-based
pricing with our customer expectations and meeting our business goals puts CombineNet
in its own league, and that's a big reason why we use their software."
CombineNet's advanced sourcing tools allow Whirlpool to collect more expressive
offers from more suppliers. With CombineNet's optimization technology, Whirlpool
Procurement and Logistics personnel have the ability to build scenarios that analyze
supplier proposals along with Whirlpool's internal business objectives, including
service levels, capacity, and other typically intangible non-price considerations.
By using CombineNet's intuitive solutions, Whirlpool is able to minimize internal
resources while significantly condensing the sourcing cycle. The tools give Whirlpool
the ability to quickly review various award scenarios, comparing price and non-price
constraints to identify the optimal mix of suppliers who meet Whirlpool's business
objectives, allowing Whirlpool's sourcing team to establish a true basis for the
optimal total cost of procuring goods and services.
At the end of the day, it's about getting the best value from your suppliers. Cost
reduction is paramount, but you must be able to ensure that you can meet your overall
business goals, and that includes whether or not your suppliers can provide your
organization with the service levels you need," said CombineNet CEO Tony Bonidy.
Whirlpool Corporation has enhanced its commitment to utilize CombineNet technology
by entering into this Enterprise Agreement with possible applications in Transportation,
Indirect and Direct Procurement areas. For complex sourcing situations and high
dollar managed spend there is no better process available to help identify implementable
results that provide an optimal balance of price and value; results that exceed
expectations and allow Whirlpool to achieve a competitive advantage while creating
customer loyalty.
About CombineNet Truckload
CombineNet Truckload is available now for shippers, logistics teams, and supply
chain consultants to configure and implement domestic truckload sourcing events.
For more information, visit www.combinenet.com/truckload/.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances,
with annual sales of more than $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing
and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool,
KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul, and other major brand names to consumers
in more than 170 countries.
Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
About CombineNet
CombineNet, the advanced sourcing technology company, helps companies achieve the absolute best value and lowest total cost of ownership for goods and services. CombineNet's Advanced Sourcing Application Platform enables companies to engage in Expressive Commerce™, the strategic sourcing initiative that allows buyers and sellers to communicate supply and demand more expressively, collaboratively and strategically. The result is a win-win for both buyer and supplier, where greater innovation and efficiency are driven into the supply chain. CombineNet's ASAP consistently produces 10, 15, even 20 percent greater actual cost savings than other e-sourcing solutions, and has delivered more than 45x ROI for the largest businesses in the world including General Mills, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens and others. For more information, visit www.combinenet.com.
Media Contacts:
Greg Holt
CombineNet Inc.
Director of Marketing
Phone: 412.471.8200
gholt@combinenet.com