Canada's Uni-Select to hold auto-parts procurement seminar in Taiwan

Taipei, April 29, 2005 (CENS)--The Uni-Select Inc. of Canada, a leading distributor of auto-parts, tools, and equipment, is scheduled to hold a procurement seminar with local suppliers in Taiwan on May 2, according to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), a government-funded trade promotion organization.

Russ Surgeon, vice president of Uni-Select, would lead a procurement delegation to the island, TAITRA said.

As part of Taiwan government's policy to help local auto-parts makers develop exports, TAITRA has been actively trying to help major global chain-stores and large distributors with procurement seminars in Taiwan and assist them in building long-term cooperation ties with local companies.

According to TAITRA, Uni-Select is Canada's second-largest distributor of automotive and heavy-duty replacement parts, equipment, tools and accessories. Through Uni-Select USA, Inc., the company also provides service to customers in the U.S., where it is the eighth-largest distributor. The Uni-Select Network includes over 800 independent jobbers in Canada and almost 2,000 in the U.S. Uni-Select, headquartered in Montreal, Canada is expected to generate revenues of over US$1.2 billion in 2005.

The council said that Uni-Select hopes to procure a series of auto parts from the island, including spindle hub bearings, strut mounts, steel rims, and various chassis parts.

Uni-Select will hold a seminar to introduce the company's procurement policy to representatives of local companies and will conduct face-to-face business negotiations after the seminar.