Newark InOne Launches "RoHS Express" To Help Design Engineers, Component Buyers Comply With EU Green Law

CHICAGO (May 3, 2005) – Newark InOne, a subsidiary of global Premier Farnell plc and the leading small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment in North America, announces the launch of RoHS Express (newarkinone.com/rohs), an in-depth online resource to help design engineers and component buyers comply with the European Union's Restriction Of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation.

RoHS restricts the amount of lead (and five other substances) that can be used in new electronic and electric equipment sold to EU countries after July 1, 2006.

"While the RoHS buzz has escalated recently on this side of the pond, there has been a lack of real specifics", comments Paul Tallentire, president, Newark InOne. "We dubbed RoHS Express as the "fast track to compliance", as it gives our customers quick, precise answers to their most important questions."

The RoHS Express area, which will be continually updated, offers:
• State-by-state guide to green laws in the US
• Latest "green news" from Europe, direct from Farnell InOne, Newark InOne's sister UK distributor
• Facts about RoHS and frequently asked questions
• The industry's first step-by-step guide to compliance
• RoHS product information from Newark InOne manufacturers

Working closely with its 425+ suppliers, Newark InOne is aggressively adding manufacturers' RoHS compliant products to its website and collecting product data. Online search results at newarkinone.com show whether the manufacturer has confirmed that a product is compliant. A green spirograph symbol is used to flag compliant products.

About Newark InOne

Newark InOne, a subsidiary of global distributor Premier Farnell plc, is the leading small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment in North America. A market leader with locations in the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, Newark InOne offers the broadest product selection from 425+ top manufacturers and a unique range of tailored services, including eProcurement.

Newark InOne serves customers who are working in design, maintenance and purchasing through multiple sales channels- contact centers, a local branch network, a dedicated field sales force and e-commerce. Uniquely, it has the ability to link with any eProcurement system, and its dedicated eProcurement team works with customers before and after an implementation. In 2002, Newark InOne secured a General Services Administration (GSA) schedule (#GS-06F-0044M) and supports federal government customers through a dedicated website, www.teamgov.com, and a specially trained team of representatives.

Stocking 160,000 brand name products, Newark InOne also has access to millions of electronic products. A wide range of timesaving services, including kitting, bar-coding and stockroom management solutions that can be tailored to individual needs, complements Newark InOne's unmatched selection.

Premier Farnell plc, Newark InOne's parent company, is a leading global marketer and distributor of electronic, maintenance repair and operations (MRO) and specialist products and services, trading in more than 100 countries with a database of 2 million customer contacts.

For general information, visit www.newarkinone.com and www.premierfarnell.com. Information about Newark InOne's GSA schedule is available by calling 1.800.TEAM.GOV (800.832.6468).

©Copyright 2005. Newark InOne is a service mark of Premier Farnell Corp. All other trademarks, product or service names displayed in this release, registered or unregistered, constitute the intellectual property of their respective holders.