TMKS.L Regulatory News (TMKS)

17 Apr 2008 08:20

OAO TMK17 April 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 17, 2008 PRESS RELEASE TMK Successfully Implements SAP ERP OAO TMK (TMK) announces today that it successfully completed the implementationof an SAP ERP based corporate information system at its Russian mills andproceeded to its industrial use. The implementation of the SAP ERP based corporate information system will allowTMK to control and manage, in real-time, its sales, production, supplies,finances, accounting, and human resources. TMK customers will benefit fromincreased production quality, a unified billing platform, and real-time orderand shipment tracking. TMK information technology specialists worked together with management andidentified the need for a corporate information system that would integrate amajority of the company's activities. Manufacturing, supply chain management,tax compliance and accounting to IFRS best practice, human resources, andcustomer relationship management are some issues and activities that needed tobe streamlined in one system. TMK awarded the SAP ERP implementation project toSAP CIS. The system was implemented at Volzhsky, Seversky, Sinarsky and TAGMET mills. The implementation of the SAP ERP based corporate information system, given itsscope and complexity, was undertaken in different stages. On January 1, 2006,the SAP ERP system was launched at Volzhsky Pipe Plant and integrated theoperations and production areas. Seven integrated modules - sales, production,supplies, accounting, finance, automation, and human resources were consolidatedin one system. For the first time in the Russian metallurgical sector, ajust-in-time production environment was established. Earlier this year, "Maintenance and Equipment Repair" and "Project Management"functionalities were added to Volzhsky's corporate information system. Thesecond stage consisted of implementing the system at the group's otherfacilities. From January 1, 2008, all of TMK's Russian mills have beenintegrated in the ERP system industrial use. "The implementation of our corporate information system was designed toconsolidate and streamline the company's strategies and operations, putting thecompany one step ahead of its peers. Moreover, we believe that facilitatingcooperation and communication within the group will greatly benefit ourcustomers and suppliers", noted TMK's CEO, Konstantin Semerikov. "We hope that this SAP implementation, which is based on global corporateexperience and production efficiency standards, will further enhance TMK'scompetitiveness by giving it unique production advantages.", said Mr. IovanMaryanovich, CEO of SAP CIS. He also commented on the execution of the project,paying special attention to the implementation schedule and quality. OAO "TMK" (www.tmk-group.com) Founded in 2001, TMK (LSE: TMKS) is the largest pipe producer in Russia and oneof the three global market leaders. In 2007, TMK shipped over 3 million tonnes of pipes. TMK supplies to companiesin more than 60 countries. TMK production facilities are located in Russia and Romania: • Volzhsky Pipe Plant; • Seversky Tube Works; • Taganrog Metallurgical Works; • Sinarsky Pipe Plant; • SC TMK-Resita SA; • SC TMK-ARTROM SA; • TMK Oilfield Services: • Orsky Machine Building Plant; • Truboplast pipe coating company; • TMK Central Pipe Yard; • TMK Pipe Maintenance Department. For further information please contact: TMK PR Department: TMK IR DepartmentAlexey Sotskov Alexei RatnikovTel: +7 495 775 7600 ext. 2125 Tel: +7 495 775 7600 ext. 2078Email: PR@tmk-group.com Email: IR@tmk-group.com www.tmk-group.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange