OtterBox Expands Mobile Device Protection Throughout China with Distribution Partner Ingram Micro

HONG KONG, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- OtterBox, world-renowned for its rugged, stylish protective cases for smartphones and other mobile devices, is expanding its penetration into China through a new distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, the world's largest wholesale technology distributor.

The agreement will make OtterBox products available throughout Ingram Micro's vast retail network in China as well as through online retailers. Ingram Micro is a major player in China's IT distribution industry and serves partners in more than 500 cities across the country. Its supply-chain capabilities and deep market penetration make it an ideal partner for the distribution of OtterBox solutions in China.

As smartphones are continuously gaining popularity in China, according to research firm IDC, total smartphone shipments in China are expected to rise to 420 million by the end of 2014.¹ This major surge in smartphone growth is expected to bring increased market demand for protective cases.

"China presents significant business opportunities as a result of the rapid growth of smartphones," said Steve Nisbet, managing director of OtterBox Asia Pacific. "This is an exciting time for us and we are pleased to have Ingram Micro as our strategic partner.  Together, we will build a market development strategy for customers, retail networks and business-to-business partnerships throughout China."

"OtterBox provides unique products to Chinese customers with pioneering technology and a relentless innovative spirit," said Frank Zhang, senior vice president & chairman, China Group of Ingram Micro. "Ingram Micro has a wide variety of in-depth distribution channels in China and has made significant strides in both online and offline markets. I believe that our partnership will not only allow customers to enjoy a better lifestyle with OtterBox, but will also allow them to discover OtterBox's technology commitment."

OtterBox is a global leader in protective case solutions and its products are world-renowned for their dependability, ingenuity and quality engineering. Key product lines that Ingram Micro will distribute in China include Preserver Series, Defender Series, Symmetry Series and Commuter Series, each with their own distinctive features to meet the needs of China's diverse marketplace.

Water is everywhere, and unexpected spills can mean serious damage to a smartphone. The waterproof Preserver Series offers the ultimate protection. Preserver Series cases are fully submersible up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) for 30 minutes. The two-piece case comes with snap assembly for easy installation and internal foam cushions to hold the phone in place. Preserver Series cases are also drop proof to 6.6 feet (2 meters) and dust proof when all ports are properly sealed.²

The Defender Series line of protective cases includes robust three-layer protection that helps to withstand drops, bumps and shocks. Its built-in screen protector guards against scratches while its port covers keep out dust and debris. Defender Series cases come with a swiveling belt clip included.³

The Symmetry Series of smartphone cases boasts a sleek, pocket-friendly design with wraparound colors and graphics that make it one of the most stylish protective cases on the market. Its dual-material construction absorbs shock and helps withstand drops, while its raised beveled edge helps keep the touchscreen safe. It adds an instant touch of style and class to smartphones.⁴

The slim and pocketable two-piece design of the Commuter Series line offers exceptional protective qualities against drops, bump and shock.⁴ Its self-adhesive screen protector prevents scratches and the port covers keep out dust and debris. Grab the essentials and go – with the Commuter Series Wallet, a sliding drawer that conceals and securely carries your important cards, you'll have everything you need for a night on the town, a day hike or just running errands without carrying additional bags or satchels.

For more information about OtterBox and their complete product lineup, visit otterbox.asia.

About OtterBox:

Founded in 1998 with a line of dry boxes, OtterBox® has evolved into the No. 1-selling case for smartphones in the U.S. and a global leader in mobile device protection.⁵ Its diverse lineup of protective solutions for handheld technology protect, connect and enable a mobile world. OtterBox has been a six-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S. and was named one of "America's Most Promising Companies" by Forbes Magazine. The company is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo., with offices in San Diego; Boston; Cork, Ireland; and Hong Kong.

About Ingram Micro

Ingram Micro Inc. is the world's largest wholesale technology distributor and a global leader in IT supply-chain and mobile device lifecycle services. As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics and mobile solutions, technical support, financial services and product aggregation and distribution. The company is the only global broad-based IT distributor, serving approximately 170 countries on six continents with the world's most comprehensive portfolio of IT products and services. Visit IngramMicro.com.

Ingram Micro Mobility is a leading provider of device lifecycle services, including complete lifecycle capabilities from warehousing to software loading, order and accounts receivable management to end-user fulfillment, and reverse logistics, including wireless device repair,refurbishment and recycling services. Visit ingrammicro.com/mobility

Note:

¹ IDC total smartphone shipments in China will rise to 420 million this year -  source link: http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prCN24688114

² Results may vary.

³ Defender Series NOT protective against water. Will provide added protection from bump, drop and shock.

⁴ Symmetry Series and Commuter Series NOT protective against water. Will provide some added protection from bump and shock.

⁵ No. 1-selling smartphone case source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service: Cell Phone Device Protection/Units Sold 1/2012-12/2013

©2014 Otter Products, LLC. All rights reserved. OtterBox and all OtterBox logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of Otter Products, LLC. All other logos, trademarks and symbols are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE OtterBox