APW Ltd. Signs Worldwide Contract For IFS Software;IFS Will Provide APW With Business Software...

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2000

IFS Wednesday announced that APW Ltd. (NYSE: APW), the leading global Technically Enabled Manufacturing Services "TEMS" company, signed a contract for IFS Applications business software and related services.

APW will implement the IFS component-based solution at all of its 45 global locations covering approximately 4,000 users.

Richard G. Sim, chairman, president and chief executive officer of APW Ltd. commented, "It is imperative that APW have a more efficient global business system solution to serve our global customers. Our relationships with these global partners necessitates that we provide engineering services in the location required but have the capability to manufacture the product anywhere in the world.

"The global system we are implementing will improve our customer responsiveness and offer internal efficiencies."

Terje Vangbo, president and chief executive officer for IFS North America Inc., said, "The IFS system is especially well suited as a global standard for expanding multinational companies like APW. Ambitious growth initiatives require fast evolution to an advanced business system with high performance and flexibility.

"The component nature of IFS Applications provides all of that and more -- it allows companies to quickly add new e-business or back office functionality one step at a time, whenever and wherever needed to sustain a competitive edge across global markets."

About APW Ltd.

APW Ltd. is a technically enabled manufacturing services (TEMS) company that designs and manufactures large, complex infrastructure products for OEMs in the communications, large enterprise hardware and Internet markets.

APW Ltd. has particular skills in the areas of manufacturing enclosures, thermal management, power supplies and backplanes; as well as core competencies in product and system design, integration and supply chain management. APW Ltd. operates in over 45 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

About IFS and IFS Applications(TM) (www.ifsworld.com)

IFS develops and supplies business applications that offer step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise.

Based on proven component technology, IFS Applications includes web-based enterprise applications, CRM and supply chain management components, Internet storefronts, e-markets and e-procurement solutions. The company's over 60 functional business components, which span the entire demand and supply chain, improve business processes in medium to large companies.

IFS eBusiness solutions provide seamless integration of all data sources from the fastest web sites and exchanges to legacy ERP.

IFS is the fastest-growing large global vendor in the business applications market. The company has 3,500 employees with products sold in 42 countries through 64 offices around the world.

IFS Applications is a trademark of IFS Industrial and Financial Systems. All other referenced company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.