Largest Philippine Nickel Mining Company Nickel Asia Corporation Invests in Lawson’s ERP solution
Lawson Software secures first contract for latest Lawson M3 7.1 applications in the Philippines
SINGAPORE (January 16, 2008) – Lawson Software (Nasdaq: LWSN) today announced that the largest Philippine-based nickel mining company, Nickel Asia Corporation has licensed Lawson M3 Enterprise Management System to help manage its growing business and operations in the Philippines. As a first time user of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Nickel Asia Corporation will implement Lawson Financial Management, Lawson Supply Chain Management and Lawson Customer Sales and Service modules for 40 users in its Manila headquarters and five mining sites. The contract was signed during Lawson’s second quarter of fiscal 2008, which ended Nov. 30, 2007.
Nickel Asia Corporation is one of the largest nickel mining companies in the Philippines. It owns a majority share of six mining operations throughout the Philippines and equity interest in the Coral Bay high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) facility at Rio Tuba in the Philippines. The principle business of Nickel Asia Corporation involves selling nickel laterite ore to customers in Japan, China, Philippines and Australia. In 2005, Nickel Asia Corporation delivered 1.8 million dry metric tons of nickel ore containing 31,500 tons of nickel metal to six customers throughout the region.
Nickel Asia Corporation evaluated several global ERP solutions to help automate and streamline its business processes and mining operations before signing the contract with Lawson. The company needed a technology solution to help improve the synergy between its head office and mining sites through timely and accurate management reporting including financial reports for analysis and decision-making. There was also a need to enhance visibility in the supply chain to help improve efficiency and the overall customer experience. Lawson’s commitment to expand its physical presence in the Philippines combined with the company’s industry-specific expertise and experience were deciding factors for Nickel Asia Corporation.
“It is a strategic business decision for Nickel Asia Corporation to go with Lawson, said Emmanuel Samson, chief financial officer for Nickel Asia Corporation. “The commitment and investment Lawson is showing here in the Philippines is something Nickel Asia Corporation considered as the markings for a long term partnership. As eventual users of the ERP system, our employees were involved in the entire evaluation process. They saw the Lawson M3 7.1 Smart Client user interface, and made their choice.
Lawson Software established a direct sales and marketing team within its Manila-based operations in July 2007 to heighten the level of responsiveness and attention to customers in the mid-tier ERP market. Lawson Manila, which employs more than 550 people, is one of the three Lawson global support centers that provides direct support and services to more than 4,000 customers worldwide. Lawson has stated it will continue employment expansion of its Manila operations with a goal of employing 800-900 people by mid 2008.
Nickel Asia Corporation is the first customer in the Philippines to select the latest Lawson M3 7.1 applications since the creation of the direct sales and marketing office. This latest release of the suite of software is designed specifically for companies in manufacturing, distribution and equipment service. It includes enhanced industry-specific functionality and an intuitive web-based user interface.
“This is an important deal for Lawson in the Philippines. We are proud that Nickel Asia Corporation has shown confidence in our solutions, our experience and expertise in the mining industry, and has recognized Lawson’s investments and commitment to the country, said David Hope, regional managing director for Lawson in Asia and Japan. “Lawson can offer a lower total cost of ownership and greater value for every dollar invested in enterprise software, in party, by providing leading technology and solutions that are designed to be simpler to implement. Lawson strives to provide the intimate customer support and experience that customers are looking for. We have more than tripled our employee base at Lawson Manila over the last 12 months, which is further proof of our commitment in the Philippines. These are important factors for a company like Nickel Asia Corporation which is new to the implementation and maintenance of an ERP system and is also relying on the platform to support its growth.
Lawson Software is also providing implementation and support services to Nickel Asia Corporation through the Lawson Total Care and Lawson Professional Services.
Lawson Software has 10 customers in the Philippines including Pascual Laboratories, Mitsubishi Motors, and Nickel Asia Corporation.
Source: Lawson
