VF Corporation Selects Nextlinx

April 1, 2003
ROCKVILLE, MD -- NextLinx Corporation, the leading provider of global trade content and management solutions, will integrate its Trade Collaborator solution

ROCKVILLE, MD -- NextLinx Corporation, the leading provider of global trade content and management solutions, will integrate its Trade Collaborator solution into the first of several coalitions at VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), the world's largest apparel company, to provide sustainable bottom-line savings by reducing sourcing and global supply chain costs, minimizing trade compliance risks and allowing for more informed decision making.

VF, whose brands include Lee, Wrangler, Riders, Vanity Fair, The North Face and others, will specifically utilize NextLinx Trade Collaborator, an integrated suite of Trade Import, Trade Export and Trade Agreements solutions for global trade, to collaborate with trading partners, monitor compliance related sourcing costs, prepare for preferential duty rates on imports and exports, and optimize its global trade fulfillment process.

"We take pride in bringing to market superior products and rely on our operational excellence and the best technology to quickly respond to our consumers' needs around the world," said Ellen Martin, vice president of supply chain systems, VF Corporation. "NextLinx's Trade Collaborator provides us the opportunity to utilize critical and timely global trade information and a collaborative solution necessary to manage our trade fulfillment process effectively and efficiently."

Utilizing the Trade Collaborator suite for streamlining the flow of all import and export transactions into one single application, VF anticipates a reduction in inventory carrying costs, compliance risk and workflow per entry as a result of the Trade Import. The Trade Export solution will integrate with VF's existing applications to screen for restricted parties, determine licenses, create documentation and submit Shippers Export Declarations (SEDs) to U.S. Customs. Trade Agreements solution will give VF access to AGOA, CBTPA and NAFTA rules of origin, enabling VF to plan for preferential duty rates.

Powered by Global Knowledge, the industry's most comprehensive database of global trade content and international business rules, NextLinx Trade Collaborator enables companies to reduce the costs and risks associated with importing and exporting goods, and provides a method whereby the entire trade process is managed effectively and efficiently.

"As a truly global organization, VF understands the economic challenges that occur with manufacturing in our changing global climate. Their selection of NextLinx validates our commitment to providing superior technology solutions and the most comprehensive trade content and underscores the infinite cost benefits of implementing a global trade solution," said Rajiv Uppal, founder, president and CEO of NextLinx Corporation. "Furthermore, VF has recognized the value and importance of utilizing trade agreement programs. We believe that the future of a successful global business relies on participation in these preferential programs, thus we have expanded our product functionality and look forward to extending this benefit to all of our customers."

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) is the world's largest apparel company and a leader in jeanswear, intimate apparel, playwear, workwear and daypacks. Its principal brands include Lee, Wrangler, Riders, Rustler, Vanity Fair, Vassarette, Bestform, Lily of France, Lee Sport, Healthtex, JanSport, Eastpak, Red Kap and The North Face.

NextLinx Corporation is a provider of global trade management solutions. NextLinx software and Web services solutions combine global trade business rules and country-specific trade data, consisting of denied party lists, landed cost components, import and export controls, and customs duties and documentation, to help companies reduce the risks and costs associated with importing and exporting goods across international borders. NextLinx prestigious list of customers include: Boeing, FedEx, UPS, ABN AMRO, Cisco Systems, 3Com, Fairchild Semiconductor, Rockwell Automation, Sothebyís and Panasonic. For additional information, please visit us at www.nextlinx.com.