Russia is a gigantic market with an incredible growth potential and a large part of the global heavy industry is here. One company to take advantage of it is Andon Automation. It got an order for six welding arcs and twelve robots from a big Russian truck manufacturer. Mats Hamping, Managing Director, tells us about the Russian company with a large factory in the Ural mountains. The first time they got in touch was last fall through a trading house in Germany. In July, Andon Automation will be ready for its first shipment.
- We hope that this deal will be a kickoff and a pioneer reference for more assignments in Russia, a strategically important market for us, says Mats Hamping.
In the future, Andon Automation will focus on five markets outside of Sweden; the Nordic region, Benelux, Germany, Italy and Russia. Right now, the company is setting up a sales office in Holland.
- The Dutch subsidiary is registered since a few weeks and only a few details remain before we are operational.
Andon Automation has hired four Dutch sales persons. Mats Hamping believes this is a great advantage compared to transferring personnel from the Swedish office.
- These people know the Benelux market - they have many contacts and good relations with potential clients, which is extremely important.
With the large Russian order, 2008 will be a very good year for Andon Automation. Mats Hamping expects bright prospects for 2009 as well and, despite warnings of a decline in business, he is positive about future business developments.
Emelie Ring, Editor