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Lenovo adds two large distributors to consumer PC sales effort

One of Lenovo's new IdeaPads. (Lenovo image)

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Lenovo is making more moves to accelerate its sales of PCs to consumers and small businesses by expanding its distribution efforts.

On Tuesday, the world’s fourth largest PC maker announced agreements with two of the biggest technology distributors in the U.S. – D&H Distributing and Ingram Micro – to sell its growing inventory of machines.

Lenovo, which maintains its headquarters in Morrisville, also is adding more business partners for direct sales.

Last week, Lenovo introduced 13 new models of laptops. The IdeaPads along with IdeaCentre desktop models are the first PCs that don’t include the legacy ThinkPad names that date back to IBM days. Lenovo bought IBM’s PC division three years ago and began going after consumers earlier this year. IBM had stopped targeted consumers several years before selling the PC operation to Lenovo.

“Since we launched our ‘Idea’ brand in January, we’ve enjoyed an enthusiastic response for our products’ design and innovative features,” said Stephen DiFranco, vice president and general manager for the Americas Consumer unit at Lenovo. “We are focusing on growing the retailer and e-tailer channel, and are now working with our distributors and other valued business partners who specialize in meeting the needs of small-office-home-office, small-to-medium business and retail customers.”

Other moves include the building of a new distribution center in the Triad area of N.C. and additional production facilities overseas.

D&H Distribution is based in Pennsylvania. Ingram Micro operates out of Tennessee.