EDS and Guthy-Renker renewal creates Aussie facility

Stan Beer
Sunday, 16 October 2005 15:38

IT Industry - Deals

EDS and direct marketer Guthy-Renker have renewed their long-term relationship for business process outsourcing (BPO) services through 2010 and the deal sees tne creation of a new Australia CRM fulfillment facility.

The new agreement, signed in the third quarter, is described by EDS as one of its largest BPO agreements to date, and continues EDS' current CRM services for Guthy-Renker's US operations and add similar services for its Australia and New Zealand markets. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

As a part of the contract extension, EDS will support Guthy-Renker's global growth by providing CRM services to Guthy-Renker's growing customer base in the southern Asia Pacific region. EDS will operate out of a new fulfillment facility in Australia and expand its existing New Zealand customer contact center to support Guthy-Renker's consumer-direct business.

"Our success in the US has carried over to a number of markets around the globe. Having a reputable and cost efficient service provider like EDS is vital to our continued success," said Kevin Knee, executive vice president and COO for Guthy-Renker. "EDS has consistently proven its abilities to scale and to meet our growth demand. This new agreement is a natural extension of our long standing relationship."

"Asia Pacific continues to be a growing region for EDS and we're eager for the chance to support Guthy-Renker's expanding business," said Phil Pryke, EDS Asia Pacific vice president. "This new facility, along with the expanded use of our New Zealand contact center, will provide EDS with opportunities to fulfill additional CRM BPO demands in the Asia Pacific region."

EDS will continue to process orders and payments, and manage assembly services, fulfillment, distribution and customer support of GRC's consumer sales of beauty and skin care lines and various other consumer products and categories in the United States, through 2010. Guthy-Renker shares these facilities and EDS' global infrastructure, which helps it lower costs, streamline operations, improve customer service, increase revenues, and remain focused on product marketing.

"Guthy-Renker and EDS mirror each other's focus on quality and outstanding customer service to successfully launch our brands around the globe," said Joe Eazor, vice president and general manager, BPO Services for EDS. "The combined expertise of Guthy-Renker's marketing and EDS' technology and service delivery, creates a winning combination to boost revenue growth for multi-channel retailers like Guthy-Renker."