For the fourth consecutive year, Nikon Inc. has earned the distinct honor of the National Association of Photo Equipment Technicians (NAPET) Manufacturer Service Support Award. This award is the highest recognition for consistent quality service within the photographic industry and reflects upon the continued commitment and efficiency of Nikon's national customer service department.

"Nikon is again extremely proud to receive the NAPET award for our continued excellence in service, repairs and product support," said Bill Brocks, general manager of National Service. "Our commitment to customer service is reflected in the cutting edge technologies and dedicated staff that Nikon employs. We are pleased that Nikon's commitment to service and support has again been recognized by the industry again this year."

The Nikon Service Relations Department is available for active support to retail partners, authorized repair stations, and consumers 5 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. Under the management and direction of Rick Houghton, the department fields an average of over 160,000 phone calls and over 36,000 emails each year, maintaining its highest standard for responsiveness and quality of service.

The Nikon Service Department consists of approximately 70 employees handling transactions, managing customer service and providing support for all photo and imaging products. The department operates out of three locations including its home office in Melville, N.Y., Torrance, California and a Washington, D.C. office - providing custom support for the White House press corps. The department works with 48 authorized repair centers across the United States. Additionally, the Nikon Service Department provides product training for employees, including Nikon Canada as well as those in Nikon USA's six distribution centers in Latin America.

About Nikon Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital and 35mm film SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm compact cameras; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

About NAPET

The National Association of Photo Equipment Technicians (NAPET) serves as a liaison between independent camera repair businesses and photographic equipment manufacturers. Members of this group are provided with business information through repair-oriented sessions at the PMA Annual Convention and Trade Show, and through NAPET News, a quarterly newsletter dedicated to the repair segment of the industry.

The group works to improve the management, information, and services provided by photographic equipment repair businesses. Building and maintaining relationships between repair facilities and equipment manufacturers helps achieve such improvements.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.