Press Release

Release date: November 06, 2013

Zotefoams plc turns to Columbus to support growth with integrated ERP solution

World-leading cellular materials manufacturer Zotefoams plc has invested in a new integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from Columbus Global to support a period of rapid growth and help sustain future expansion plans.

The UK-headquartered manufacturer will go live with Microsoft Dynamics AX implemented throughout the entire business by August 2014.

The ERP investment follows the recent announcement that Zotefoams has entered a joint venture with Inoac Corporation of Japan, further expanding its international presence. As part of a drive to enhance service levels, support growth plans and drive business improvement Zotefoams sought an ERP solution compatible with its multi-site, multi-product strategy.

David Stirling, Managing Director of Zotefoams, said he felt that international consultancy leader Columbus offered the best ERP solution and industry expertise to assist the company on its growth journey.

"The scope of our operations has increased significantly recently. We have three operational sites, sales staff across the world and we supply to over 40 countries globally. " he said.

"We saw the benefits from a fully integrated ERP system which has more functionality and better information management, and felt that Columbus was the most appropriate supplier to provide this to us."

Columbus has provided a powerful, agile, easy-to-use solution that will add value to Zotefoams' existing operational processes. Together with the experience and knowledge of Columbus personnel, the company is set to benefit from a more advanced ERP solution with greater functionality compared to its existing system.

As one of Microsoft's top three global partners in the manufacturing industry, Columbus was best placed to understand Zotefoams' individual needs and how it planned to utilise ERP in order to support its current industry growth. Columbus' knowledge and experience in the manufacturing industry was a key factor which helped it win a competitive three way pitch.

David Stirling explained: "Our planned investment in a new manufacturing facility in South Korea is one of a number of growth areas we see for Zotefoams. A system that provides better business processes and improved information management will help support and sustain this growth.

"Columbus really impressed us when they introduced themselves, their product and their support services to us. They really understand our needs and what we aim to achieve with the system."

Zotefoams' products are used in a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, packaging, transport, healthcare and the military. They also license Intellectual Property and sell related machinery for microcellular foaming in polymer extrusion processes.

Mary Hunter, MD of Columbus, said: "We are very pleased to be able to support Zotefoams and we hope to make them more successful by adapting and implementing our proven ERP solutions.

"Our solutions often meet 80% of the industry requirements right off, and with individual adaption we hope to maximise Zotefoams' efficiency and overall business performance."

The project is currently on track for successful go-live in August 2014.

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About Columbus

Columbus is an international consultancy serving customers worldwide. The company is an expert in developing and providing business applications to the retail, food and manufacturing industries. This has been proved through 20 years of experience with more than 6,000 successful business cases. Columbus has offices and partners all over the world.

For more information please contact Denise Taylor, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 7652 0025 or email denise@bridgepr.co.uk or Ellen Hoefste (UK) on +44 (0)1623 72 99 77 or email ehoe@columbusglobal.com.