Packard Bell NEC is to centralise its component purchasing operation into a single, global operation in a bid to cut manufacturing costs, boost margins and regain its former glory. The Worldwide Purchasing unit will be headed by Almarie Falbo, until recently Packard Bell NEC's VP for corporate customer satisfaction, a role that takes in oversight of the supply chain and product quality. The unit will initially cover the company's European, US and Asian operations, and will work to streamline each territory's relationships with suppliers, with the ultimate goal of increasing Packard Bell NEC's product margins. "Worldwide purchasing is a market-proven initiative that will increase our competitive advantage, improve margins, and leverage indirect costs," said chairman of the executive committee of the company's board, Alain Couder.