Danby Products to Open New Major Sourcing Office in China

New Location Marks Global Sourcing Initiative for One of North America's Largest Appliance Marketers

GUELPH, Ontario, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Danby Products, one of the largest appliance marketing companies in North America, today launched a major global sourcing initiative to support its growth objectives. The 65-year-old Company announced that in early October it will open a new sourcing office in the South China port city of Guangzhou, a move the Company believes will yield numerous benefits for both customers and suppliers.

"Interacting more closely with our suppliers in China will enable us to achieve significant enhancements across multiple areas including product development, quality assurance, purchasing and cost controls," said James E. Lightfoot, President of Danby Products. "This global sourcing location represents an important investment in the supply chain for our three business units – Danby^®, MicroFridge^® and ColdTech Commercial. It will strengthen our ability to foster innovation and increase speed-to-market for our latest products, thereby accelerating our long-term growth. In fact, this new Chinese location also will promote additional investments in personnel and resources here in North America."

Danby's decision to open a sourcing office in Guangzhou followed a rigorous site selection process. The building's strategic location within Guangzhou will facilitate the Company's sourcing initiatives and its efforts to attract and retain talented employees. Danby already has appointed a general manager for the location and has hired several other key employees.

"In today's competitive global economy a strong international presence is critical, and we believe the location of this office will be beneficial to our suppliers and ultimately, our customers," said Shawn Pearson, VP, Supply Chain. "As the U.S. Department of Energy and other regulatory bodies develop more stringent guidelines, this office will allow us to continuously improve critical quality control mechanisms. It also will help us capture greater economies of scale across our business units."

"As we celebrate our 65^th anniversary in 2012, enhancing our presence in Asia – where we have been doing business for 18 years – is a substantial milestone. This initiative sets us on a path to achieve our targets for profitable growth in the years ahead as we continue to introduce high-quality, innovative appliances. In addition, it creates long-term opportunities to expand our international footprint and market reach," Lightfoot concluded.

About Danby Products

Founded in 1947, Danby Products is one of North America's largest appliance marketing companies. The Company operates three distinct business units – Danby, MicroFridge, and ColdTech Commercial. Its strength is in identifying and developing innovative, quality products at competitive pricing that fit the market's needs.

• Danby sells products that are marketed under seven retail names: Danby®, Danby Designer®, Danby Diplomat®, Danby Premiere®, Simplicity® and Danby Silhouette®, as well as private brands for major retail stores.
• MicroFridge sells a proprietary line of appliances, primarily combination refrigerators/freezers/microwave ovens, for small space living environments.
• ColdTech Commercial provides the food service industry with a full line of commercial refrigeration including reach-in, prep tables, undercounter refrigerators and freezers.

The Company's products meet or exceed all environmental safety requirements and comply with UL, CSA, NRTL and ETL recognized standards. For more information about Danby Products, please visit www.danby.com, www.microfridge.com, and www.coldtechcommercial.com.

SOURCE: Danby Products

http://www.danby.com