World-class inspection expertise will improve business efficiency and effectiveness
SHENZHEN, CHINA (July 11, 2008) – The Global Procurement organization of Walmart 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.
Walmart 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. Walmart currently employs approximately 50,000 people in China through its Global Procurement and retail operations, and will grow along with additional retail expansion.
“Quality is a top priority for Walmart. 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 Walmart Global Procurement.
“We recognize that our customers expect world-class quality. Through this change, Walmart 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 Walmart Global Procurement.
About Intertek Group plc (OTC: IKTSF)
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. Headquartered in London, Intertek maintains a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 21,000 people in 110 countries. Additional details can be found at www.intertek.com.
About Walmart Global Procurement and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Walmart Global Procurement was established in 2002 to facilitate the direct purchasing of merchandise. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the organization has over 1700 associates sourcing products from 50 countries.
Walmart operates Walmart 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 Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.