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Bangkok (Thailand), June 19, 2009 - Only one year after opening the biggest healthcare distribution center in Thailand, Diethelm Limited's Business Unit Consumer Goods today officially opened its new state-of-the-art cold chain distribution center (DC) in Bangpoo. The total planned investment program across the chilled and frozen supply chain is well over THB 1 billion. The new facility is located on a 14 rai plot of land on Sukhumvit Road, 30 km from Bangkok. It is the finest cold chain distribution center in Thailand, using cutting-edge operational functionality and the most advanced systems capability. It offers Diethelm's suppliers and customers the highest level of logistics and distribution services available anywhere in the country. Diethelm Limited's new facility is specializing in the handling of dairy products (including milk, cheese, butter and cream), pasteurized juices, ice creams and frozen lollies.

Dr. Joerg Wolle, CEO & President of DKSH Group stated: "This new DC is yet another milestone in the long-term success story of continued growth and development achieved by Diethelm in Thailand, and will further strengthen the unrivalled positioning of our business versus the competition. Today, we are entrusted by leading international manufacturers such as Unilever, Kraft, Fonterra, Tipco and F&N, to help them maximize market opportunities and continued business growth. Moreover, we serve all trade channels nationwide, including modern trade, hotels, restaurants, cafes, ice cream and cake parlors. We are ready to provide our services to new clients and we are actively in discussion with leading international companies.”

With the new DC, total storage capacity is up to 7,000 pallets across eight multifunctional chambers. Each chamber can operate between -30 and +6 degrees Celsius, with a variety of storage configurations depending on operational use. Two rooms have been allocated specifically for ice cream and other compatible products, capable of storing over 500,000 cases of ice cream at -30 degrees Celsius.

The chilled chambers have a combined storage capability of up to 2,000 pallet positions, designed to manage an impressive throughput capacity of 250,000 plus cartons per month.

Somboon Prasitjutrakul, Global Business Unit Manager Consumer Goods and President of Diethelm Ltd.: "We are providing the latest state-of-the-art facilities for chilled and frozen products with cutting-edge operational functionality. The DC features DKSH-bespoke SAP management system and specialized handheld electronic picking devices. A computerized temperature monitoring system continually checks the chamber temperature, supported by an energy saving voltage regulator to ensure consistent energy supply. Our vehicles are fitted with GPS distribution tracking and temperature control devices which are centrally monitored at our DC. The entirety of our cold chain fulfils the requirements of our clients' GMP regulations. The chilled and frozen products industry in Thailand will benefit strongly from this new DC. Thanks to this new development, we have created over 150 new jobs during the past six months and the total site now employs over 200 people.”

Dr. Joerg Wolle, added: "The new DC is an integral part of DKSH's total investment program in Thailand, amounting to THB 1 billion across our cold supply chain for consumer goods alone. The current phase II DC investment is in excess of THB 400 million, with another THB 300 million planned for phase III expansion within the next two years. Those figures do not include the possible strategic development of Northern and Southern satellite regional distribution centers for consumer goods. DKSH and Diethelm Limited are the world's leading players in Market Expansion Services business with a presence in more than 35 countries. Worldwide, DKSH has seen double-digit profitability growth in every year since 2002, achieving sales of THB 268 billion in 2008.

In Thailand, our sales in 2008 grew to THB 110 billion. In 2009, Diethelm Limited is looking to continued growth, with DKSH planning further investments in Thailand. Resources will be directed towards investments in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, processes and HR training, i.e. enhancing the stake in Diethelm's most valued asset, its people. Today, Diethelm employs more than 10,000 specialists in Thailand, an increase of 30% or 2,400 new jobs created since 2002. In addition to these investments, DKSH is looking at possible acquisitions.

Dr. Joerg Wolle, commented: "The general public's increasing interest in consuming chilled and frozen products because of their convenience and new trends in consumer lifestyles contributes to the continuing expansion of the chilled and frozen products industry in Thailand. Despite a highly challenging market environment, our business model proves both attractive and resistant to the crisis. The new DKSH Cold Chain Distribution Center strengthens our position as market leader and efficient services provider for consumer goods that helps other companies to expand in Thailand.”

Diethelm Limited is the leading Market Expansion Services Group in Thailand. It is the Thailand operation of the DKSH Group and operates four distinct and highly specialized Business Units: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology.

With annual sales of THB 110 billion in 2008, Diethelm is among the largest companies in Thailand, serving its business partners through a comprehensive network of 218 branches in the Kingdom. It is an employer of choice for 10,000 Thai specialists. In 2006, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary in Thailand.

DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services Group with its focus on Asia. As the term "Market Expansion Services" suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets.

With 460 business locations in 35 countries - 20 of them in Europe and the Americas - and 22,000 specialized staff it is one of the top 20 Swiss companies ranked by sales and employees. In 2008, DKSH generated annual gross revenues in excess of CHF 8,400 million.

The company offers any combination of sourcing, marketing, sales, distribution and after-sales services. It provides business partners with expertise as well as on-the-ground logistics based on a comprehensive network of unique size and depth. Business activities are organized into four specialized Business Units that mirror DKSH fields of expertise: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology.

Although DKSH is a Swiss company with headquarters in Zurich, it is deeply rooted in communities all across Asia Pacific. This is because the company looks back on a more than 140-year-long tradition of doing business in and with the region.

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