C2000 climbs aboard channel assembly line

Hardware Distributor considers proposed UK operation based on German model.

Computer 2000 took a step closer to establishing its own hardwareman model. configuration operation, with the formation of a PC assembly division at its German headquarters.

In a statement, the Munich-based distributor said the creation of the PC systems and assembly division was a response to 'the growing importance of PC assembly by distributors.' The division will be headed by Dr Harry Krischik, who will also be responsible for distribution logistics.

A representative for C2000 confirmed the distributor was examining the possibility of an assembly operation in the UK. 'Channel assembly is something Tech Data (C2000's majority shareholder) is pushing big in the US, but we are certainly looking at it in the UK and some other European subsidiaries,' he said.

David Thompson, UK marketing manager at Hewlett Packard said: 'We are looking at other partners for our channel assembly programme in the UK and we would certainly look at C2000 if an operation was established in the UK.'

Thompson said that Hewlett Packard, which presently uses Northamber to fulfil its channel assembly requirements, was looking to recruit an additional wholesaler and corporate reseller to its programme.

IBM, which runs its channel assembly in Greenock, Scotland in partnership with SCH, Northamber and Computacenter, also expressed interest. Vince Hill, marketing programmes manager at IBM personal systems group, said: 'As C2000 is a major European operator, we would certainly approach it if it went ahead with channel assembly. We have plans to evolve our channel assembly operation further and co-existence is the way forward.'

The announcement came as part of a boardroom reshuffle in Munich. Other changes include chairman of the executive board, Steven Raymund, taking on responsibility for information systems following the departure of Dieter Bock, who will leave the company by mutual agreement.

Meanwhile, Tech Data has reported a 29 per cent increase in earnings to $27.7 million and a 43 per cent jump in sales to $2.21 billion for its second quarter to 31 July.