Whippany, NJ, March 07, 2006 - First Index, Inc. the leading provider of e-sourcing solutions and the largest marketplace for sourcing custom manufactured parts, launched a new initiative to bring together Buyers and Suppliers.  Supplier Identification Meetings (SIMs) were created in response to overwhelming interest from First Index customers looking to fully leverage the trading community OEMS and suppliers.

SIMs give OEMs the opportunity to meet with prospective suppliers qualified by First Index rather than sending an RFX through the Internet where they may or may not receive a response.  Suppliers, in turn, have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves through a tighter connection to an OEM - developing a relationship and increasing sales.

The President of a New England CNC Machining company and long-time First Index Member said, “First Index has given us the opportunity to connect with a top oil and gas equipment and services company from whom we received a substantial order.  We are incredibly excited about the opportunity ahead.  Without question, the trip to the Supplier Identification Meeting opened up doors that would normally have been closed."

“We created a unique and powerful approach to enhancing the way relationships are created in this industry between OEMs and Suppliers. By proactively bringing together companies face to face, suppliers can gain exceptional opportunity to showcase their business in person with real decision-makers of major OEMs,” said Peter Cook, Vice President of Supplier Sales and Western Operations.

First Index is scheduling 24 SIMs Events across the country in such cities as Chicago, New York and Atlanta (for the latest schedule visit:  http://www.firstindex.com).

About First Index
First Index has been helping buyers and suppliers of custom-made parts and assemblies since 1992, and has steadily grown into the leading online sourcing service and marketplace of its kind world-wide. Thousands of buyers of manufactured parts around the world use the First Index sourcing platform to create and distribute thousands of RFQs annually and to find the right suppliers from First Index’s growing network of suppliers looking to establish new business relationships.  First Index continues to strengthen its position as the world leader in facilitating commerce in the manufacturing industry by providing an unmatched combination of technology, information and knowledgeable services to buyers and suppliers, enabling both to gain a sustainable competitive edge.   To find out more about First Index, please visit www.firstindex.com.

For more information contact:
Sharon Marcone
First Index, Inc.
800-498-7333 x-661 (office)
Email: sharonm@firstindex.com