CUSTOMER BRIEFING DOCUMENT
Stereolithography Materials - Direct Distribution from Vantico
1. WHAT HAS HAPPENED?
-------------------------------------------------------
Termination of Distribution Agreement
The exclusive Distribution Agreement between 3D Systems and Vantico,
whereby 3D Systems are the exclusive distributor of CibatoolŽ SL
materials will be terminated with effect from 18th February 2002.
3D Systems have been given notice of our intent to terminate this
agreement, and the termination period is six months from 18th August
2001.
2. WHY DID WE DO THIS?
-------------------------------------------------------
Reasons for Termination of the Agreement with 3D Systems
The dynamics of the rapid modeling and rapid prototyping markets are
changing and Vantico recognizes the need to change with them to meet
increasing customer demands.
By going direct to the market place Vantico will be able to focus more
completely on the customers, providing better service and improved
technical and application support.
Rapid modeling is an important and fast growing market and Vantico
recognises the need to maintain a closer understanding and a more direct
involvement in this area to support our customers in the future.
3. WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW?
-------------------------------------------------------
Future Sales and Supply of Vantico SL Materials
During the six-month termination period 3D Systems will remain the
exclusive distributor of these SL materials, and sales and promotion of
these SL materials will only be via 3D Systems.
After the six-month period, from 18th February 2002, Vantico will be
selling SL materials directly into the market place. In the interim, the
organization and mechanisms will be set up to do this on a global basis.
Customers will be able to purchase SL materials directly from Vantico
through direct, local purchasing channels on a worldwide basis after
18th February 2002.
Vantico SL materials will still be available for sale through 3D Systems
as a non-exclusive distributor, for any customers wishing to continue to
purchase from 3D Systems.
Vantico and 3D Systems have agreed to make the transition as easy as
possible to the customer base.
If customers have any supply problems regarding Cibatool SL materials
during this six-month termination period, they should contact their
local Vantico sales office, or use the help line numbers listed below.
Vantico will then support the speedy and efficient resolution of any of
these issues.
Vantico Stereolithography Materials
There will be no changes to the formulation or quality of any Vantico SL
materials without prior notification to the market place.
Manufacture and packaging of all materials will remain unchanged and
unaffected by the cancellation of this agreement with 3D Systems.
Technical Customer Support
Technical customer support for all SL Users purchasing Vantico materials
will be available on a worldwide basis.
Servicing of Vantico SL materials will be available to all Vantico
customers on a worldwide basis.
Additional personnel in the areas of marketing, product development,
customer support and sales, will be added to ensure Vantico can respond
to customer issues in a fast and effective manner. They will be
operational at the end of the six-month termination period.
New SL Products from Vantico
Vantico will continue in the development of SL photopolymers and will
introduce new and improved materials to the market according to customer
needs.
Branding of Vantico SL Materials
Following the sale last year of the Adhesives and Tooling Division of
Ciba Specialty Chemicals to MGPE, to form Vantico, the brand name of
Cibatool will be phased out. A new brand name of Ren ShapeŽ will be
introduced at the end of 2001 and the SL materials will be marketed
under this new branding.
Future Pricing of SL Materials
Vantico will draft a new pricing policy and any pricing issues will be
discussed after the end of the six-month termination period.
Additional Information For SL Users
Additional information will be made available during the six-month
termination period to inform customers or potential purchasers how to
buy materials directly from Vantico. This will be done by direct contact
from Vantico sales and marketing personnel, through customer mailings
and on the Vantico web site.
An information and help line will operate from the 23rd August 2001, for
any customers with concerns or questions. The following contacts will be
available to support customers:
Country / Region Contact Name Tel No. E-Mail Address
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA Tammy Ritter (517)-324-1325 tammy.ritter@vantico.com
EUROPE Melanie Kemp +44-1223-493011 melanie.kemp@vantico.com
Roland Searle +44-1223-493010 roland.searle@vantico.com
ASIA-PACIFIC Melanie Kemp +44-1223-493011 melanie.kemp@vantico.com
Roland Searle +44-1223-493010 roland.searle@vantico.com
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://rapid.lpt.fi/rp-ml/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Fri Jan 04 2002 - 09:57:42 EET