Convergence means exponential growth in consumer products
Zenith and Woods Industries Join Forces to OfferExpansive New Line of Consumer Electronics Accessories
Alliance Will Result in More Than 400 Product Offerings
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Leveraging combined sourcing, marketing and product development resources, Zenith Electronics Corporation and Woods Industries today announced a unique alliance that will result in the introduction of a complete line of high-performance consumer electronics accessories. The Woods and Zenith relationship will result in the delivery of more than 400 products to the retail market beginning in the first quarter of 1999. The new Zenith-brand accessories line will be shown in the Woods and Zenith booths at the Consumer Electronics Show -- #2051 and #3725, respectively, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This alliance between Woods and Zenith is the latest step in each companies' long-term plans to offer a wider variety of high quality accessories products to the consumer electronics marketplace, by building on both companies' accessories merchandising and marketing initiatives. In addition, this alliance creates a seamless sales effort that gives both companies' sales forces full access to all accessory product lines in their respective distribution channels.
For Woods, this is its latest initiative to join forces with companies that have respected and well-known brand names. For Zenith, the deal enhances the company's already-strong brand name and reinforces its commitment to the accessories market.
"Consumer electronics accessories have been an important segment for Zenith for many years. Now, with the growing convergence of television and audio systems -- and with new high-end products such as DVD and others in the market -- the demand for these types of accessories will only increase," said Bill Sims, president of Zenith Sales Company. "We chose to enter into this alliance with Woods because of Woods' attention to quality and its expertise in sourcing and distribution that meets Zenith's high standards."
Daniel Esposito, president of Woods Industries, said, "Our alliance with Zenith is another step in Woods' growth in electronics. Zenith brings Woods into a new product area of consumer electronics with its technological expertise and key relationships. This is an important step in our long-term strategy of offering the best products under well-known brands that consumers trust and value. We introduced this strategy to the market in November at the COMDEX show with the introduction of our IBM line of computer accessories, and Zenith further enhances our growth in the consumer electronics marketplace."
According to Len Coakley, vice president of accessories for Zenith Sales Company, capitalizing on the sales, marketing and distribution expertise of Woods and Zenith increases the prominence and availability of Zenith's accessories across all markets.
"Woods enjoys an excellent relationship with the mass market, home center hardware, computer and small office/home office industries, which are key targets for Zenith moving forward. Zenith complements those ties by bringing strong relationships and expertise to Woods in the power retailer, buying group and TV/Appliance channels. The partnership will greatly expand both companies' reach within all sectors of the consumer electronics industry."
The Woods/Zenith alliance enables both companies to offer superior performance consumer electronics accessories, including:
-- Audio/Video accessories -- The full line of Zenith audio/video
accessories include television cables, switches, splitters, jacks and
adapters.
-- Home Theater accessories -- Zenith home theater accessories include
upgraded, high-end cables, switches and other products that allow users
to connect the components of home theatre systems.
-- Power Protection devices -- The full line of Zenith power protection
devices includes various surge protectors and multiple-outlet devices
that feature modem, cable and DSS protection.
-- Digital Video accessories -- Zenith digital video products, including
FireWire and Fiber Optics accessories, are all digital-ready and are
optimum for DSS, DVD, laser disc and other digital-related consumer
electronics.
-- Universal Remote Controls -- All Zenith universal remote controls
feature two-times the memory of most competitive brands, making them
compatible with a wider variety of devices.
-- Antenna, Antenna Hardware and accessories -- Zenith antennas feature
newly designed in-home and outdoor selections and are digital-ready.
Antenna hardware and accessories include mounts, blocks, clips, rotors
and other related products.
-- Home Security and Controls -- Zenith home security and controls
products include security cameras, switches, and other security-related
products.
Other product groups offered by Woods and Zenith include wall mounts, videotape rewinders, headphones, videotapes, and small office/home office cords.
Founded in 1929, Woods Industries, Inc. is a leading supplier and manufacturer of connectivity products and electrical and consumer electronics accessories. Woods manufactures the AC Delco line of high-end automotive related extension devices, the IBM line of computer accessories and the Zenith brand consumer electronics accessories. Woods Industries, part of the Katy Electrical and Electronics Group and a division of Woods-Zenith Partnership Katy Industries, Inc., is a diversified corporation with interests in industrial, consumer and machinery manufacturing.
Founded in 1918, Zenith Electronics Corporation, based in Glenview, Ill., is a long-time leader in consumer electronics.
SOURCE Woods Industries, Inc.
CO: Woods Industries, Inc.; Zenith Electronics Corporation
ST: Illinois, Nevada
IN: CPR HOU
SU: JVN
01/07/99 09:01 EST prnewswire.com
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