The Lesjöfors Way - international success thanks to local decision making
Thanks to determined strategies, spring supplier Lesjöfors has experienced great success world-wide. A strong decentralization exists, where subsidiaries make decisions according to the local market´s conditions, but with corporate principles.
Lesjöfors´ sales outside of Sweden has increased considerably over the past twenty years; from about 40 percent in the late 90's to over 80 percent of the total volume today. There are well-planned strategies behind the great performances, where local presence has been a key factor. Another corner stone is to recruit the right management people with strong roots in the local market. Not only with expertise in their field, they are also culture bearers of Lesjöfors´ philosophy of high productivity, cost control, profitability and growth.
Sales in 60 markets
At first, Lesjöfors exported industrial springs to markets outside of Sweden, but soon realized that a local presence was needed to cope with their customers´ demand. The expansion began in Denmark in the late 90's to continue in China and later Latvia. In recent years the company has made acquisitions in the UK which has made Lesjöfors to the largest player in this market. Key acquisitions were also made in the German market, where Velleuer and Stumpp + Schule were incorporated in the Group during 2011 and 2012.
The Group's core businesses are manufacturing and sales so organization, competence and resources focus on further developing these two areas.
Humility and attentiveness are guiding principles
It is with great humility Lesjöfors integrate acquired companies; the exchange of experience goes both ways. The philosophy is to take advantage of the best that both parties can contribute with to increase market shares in the local market.
- We do not always have the right answers and must listen carefully to companies coming into the group, says Kjell-Arne Lindbäck in an interview from the Sixth AP Fund's newsletter in June 2012.
Lesjöfors is one of the leading spring suppliers with internationally well knowned clients. The products are demanded in many markets, in diverse industries. The range of springs (e.g. gas springs), stampings and pressings have a unique range, where one of the biggest selection of standard springs are combined with high-tech, customized solutions.
Lesjöfors has both manufacturing and sales offices in several European countries and China.
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