Plexus Online to Optimize Global Business Operations at Inteva Products, LLC

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Plexus Systems, Inc. today announced it has signed a contract with Inteva Products, LLC, a global Tier 1 supplier of automotive interior and closure systems. Under the agreements, Plexus Systems will provide a global implementation of Plexus Online, the on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise.

Inteva designs, engineers, manufactures, and assembles Instrument Panels, Consoles, Door Trim, Interior Trim, Cockpits, Door Module and Window Lift Systems, Closure Systems and Advanced Development Solutions for leading OEMs around the globe. Inteva's global resources are supported by more than 3,800 team members in 17 facilities on three continents.

Plexus Online allows strategic insight into day-to-day operations from the shop floor to the top floor. In addition, the system will enable Inteva to develop a quality management system that provides for continuous improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste throughout the supply chain.

"Inteva required a supplier with a deep understanding of the automotive industry, core competency in manufacturing, and the ability to actively monitor and manage our supply base from any internet-based browser anywhere in the world," said Dennis Hodges, Inteva chief information officer.

"The global reach and breadth of service, as well as our need to rapidly implement their system and to deploy changes in a matter of days or even hours were significant factors in our choice to award Plexus the business," said Hodges.

Plexus Online is expected to bring continuity, flexibility and adaptability to Inteva's global operations. As a result, the supplier will have consistent and integrated business information throughout its organization, including manufacturing processes, engineering, sales, accounting, quality, production, supply chain (purchasing, receiving/shipping, inventory, and supplier assessment), finance and human resources functions, lowering costs and improving productivity. Implementation for Inteva's operations will be completed by June 2009.

"Inteva had a critical need to find an information system solution that would facilitate a rapid transition from their legacy systems and allow them to monitor supplier performance and manage for quality," said Doug Gregory, Plexus Systems chief operating officer. "From a business perspective for Plexus, Inteva represents yet another signal that larger companies see the value in the SaaS model for core business functions."

Plexus Online offers more than 350 functional modules, providing manufacturers instant access to vital information and management functions using a simple Web browser. The on-demand solution features enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions such as accounting and finance modules, customer relationship management (CRM) features such as order entry and tracking, manufacturing execution systems (MES) functions such as production scheduling and machine integration and supply chain management (SCM) functions such as supplier quality and traceability.

Industry watchers are recognizing POL's capabilities. According to a recent AMR Research study, "While other vendors are fine-tuning their SaaS models, Plexus Systems has truly capitalized on SaaS ERP, leading with manufacturing execution and quality management modules and then extending that footprint into more traditional ERP functionality, including financials and HR."

About Inteva Products, LLC

Inteva Products, LLC has more than 90 years of experience and expertise, empowering some of the best automotive minds in the industry with global resources supported by more than 3,800 team members in 17 facilities on three continents. Inteva designs, engineers, manufactures, and assembles Instrument Panels, Consoles, Door Trim, Interior Trim, Cockpits, Door Module and Window Lift Systems, Closure Systems and Advanced Development Solutions for leading OEMs around the globe. Inteva's integration capabilities provide everything from small component parts to fully integrated vehicle subsystems. Inteva is committed to execute to the highest level possible for all customers to create solutions that meet quality and technical specifications while remaining on time and on budget. For more information visit www.intevaproducts.com.

About Plexus Systems, Inc.

Since 1995, Plexus Systems, Inc. (Auburn Hills, Mich.) has maintained a singular vision -- to drive significant cost, quality and productivity improvements for manufacturers, from the shop floor to the top floor. Plexus Online(TM) is on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise. Plexus Systems originated as an internal solution at a manufacturing company, designed to resolve quality challenges, including production, distribution and global supply chains management issues. Today, Plexus Online enables businesses to manage accounting, financials, compliance and human resources and other critical priorities. Plexus Systems serves a global cross section of manufacturing industries (OEM and suppliers), particularly automotive, defense, medical device and aerospace companies. In 2006, Apax Partners (www.apax.com) made a strategic investment in Plexus Systems, joining the founding investment group as stakeholders in Plexus. For more information, visit www.plex.com.