TNT Logistics North America and BMW Expand Partnership Into Lead Logistics Provider Agreement

TNT Logistics North America, one of the nation’s leading providers of value-added logistics, announced today that it has been awarded a multiyear, multimillion dollar contract to manage BMW Manufacturing Corp.’s inbound supply chain in Greer, S.C. The announcement continues a successful partnership that has existed since 1993 when BMW built its first production facility in the United States. The agreement calls for TNT Logistics North America to expand its plant-centric logistics support services to include transportation and inbound supply chain management that will provide BMW critical visibility of its in-transit materials for every production process. The BMW/TNT agreement is a premier example of a progressive vehicle manufacturer partnering with a 3PL to optimize the “entire” inbound supply chain. “We are pleased that TNT is expanding its relationship with BMW in North America,” said Jeffery D. Hurley, Senior Vice President, Operations for TNT Logistics North America. “Together, BMW and TNT will implement a logistics network that targets improvements in manufacturing for BMW and reducing costs.” TNT operates two material processing centers totaling 600,000 sq. ft. supporting BMW’s production of its X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and Z3 Roadster. One facility functions onsite where materials are managed by TNT using ASRS (automated storage and retrieval system) and delivered to specific line locations. The other logistics facility is offsite where materials are sequenced and shipped to BMW’s assembly plant. The supply chain contract calls for TNT to manage material flow from all suppliers to the materials processing center and to the plant. TNT’s Supply Chain Execution technology is a vital component supporting BMW’s Materials Management process. It provides real-time materials status – proactive information critical to BMW’s productions schedules. TNT Logistics North America provides value-added supply chain services such as network designs/redesigns, fulfillment centers, high-velocity crossdocks, supplier performance-channel disciplines, sequencing, kitting, metering for manufacturing, sub-assembly, modularization, return logistics, dedicated contract transportation, rail logistics and e-Commerce solutions. With 208 operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, it serves a range of Fortune 500 companies in the automotive, electronic, rail, tire, fast-moving consumer goods, utilities and heavy machinery industries and offers global reach through TNT Logistics. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, TNT Logistics North America can be reached at 904-928-1400 or on the Web at http://www.tntlogistics.com . TPG N.V., with its two brands TNT and Royal TPG Post, is a global provider of mail, express and logistics services. It employs over 141,000 people in 59 countries and serves over 200 countries. The company reported sales of Euros 11.2 billion in 2001. In the first quarter of 2002 sales grew by 8.5 percent. TPG N.V. is publicly listed on the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, New York, London and Frankfurt. TNT Logistics, a division of TPG, employs more than 31,000 people who operate in 35 countries managing over 5.2 million square metres of warehouse space. In 2001, TNT Logistics reported sales of EUR 3.1 billion. The TNT Logistics website address is: http://www.tnt.com/logistics . Note: Starting in May 2002, Royal PTT Post will change its name to Royal TPG Post.