Normet Goes GlobalNormet, the Finnish manufacturer of mining equipment, is reorganizing its structure in order tobecome a truly global player in the underground market. The establishment of a new distribution network with headquarters in Switzerland and regional offices in Asia, Australia and the United States will enable the company to focus more strongly on its international presence, to build closer customer ties and to offer more comprehensive support on a global basis. The headquarters of the new distribution network, Normet International Ltd, is located in Baar, south of Zurich and will be in charge of global sales, marketing, Life Time Care customer service, regional offices, distributors, and customer relations. The Swiss operation is managed by Mr Tom Melbye, Chief Operating Officer of Normet Group and Managing Director of Normet International Ltd. He recently joined Normet after a long career with BASF Construction Chemicals. The most important aspect of the new set-up is the change from a product and production-driven company to a market-driven organization. For instance, most Normet sales have been made through distributors, but from now on sales will be in Normet’s own hands. Normet will have much more face-to-face contacts with its customers, and this will enable the company to improve its product and service offering and adapt it much faster to the needs of the customers. Normet's objectives and expectations for the near future are high. Within the next three to four years Normet plans to double its turnover, expand its Life Time Care offering and get more work force. The ambition of Normet is to be a lucrative employer of good people to expand its operations into new geographical areas and markets. All this will take place through organic growth, strategic partnerships, and in some cases also through strategic acquisitions.Regional operationsThe new region Europe includes Europe, CIS, Africa and the Middle East and is headed by Mr Jorma Piironen. At the beginning, the region’s office is located in Iisalmi, Finland but will later move to Switzerland. Additionally, there is a Normet operation in Kazakhstan, where a subsidiary company was established in 2006. In Russia the company has three offices, in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Norilsk.The region Asia also includes Australia and New Zeeland and is headed by Mr William Reid. The office is located in Adelaide, South Australia, and there will be three branch offices in the major mining areas (Perth, Kalgoorlie and Mt. Isa). A new office in Shanghai will cover the Chinese market.The office of the region Americas is located in Miami, Florida and is in charge of North and South America. The regional director is Mr Heikki Ulvila. An office and service centre in Chile will take care of the South American markets.Promising outlookNormet already has a large range of high quality machinery and the company’s sales have increased in double digit numbers in recent years. Normet managers are confident that taking this major step to become a global player will not only further enhance Normet’s performance but will bring the company much closer to its customers and enable it to respond more quickly to the ever-changing market demands.Since early 2006, Normet has increased its manufacturing capacity at its Iisalmi plant in Finland by over 100% and is well prepared for future challenges. In fact, the investment into manufacturing has already paid off when two months ago Normet concluded the biggest single deal in its history, selling altogether 27 pieces of various machines to the Norilsk nickel operation in Siberia. However, Normet’s home base will always remain in Iisalmi, the roots of the company and its manufacturing expertise.Equipment and servicesNormet was founded in 1962 and has since become one of the leading manufacturers of mobile underground equipment for tunnelling and mining applications. Normet’s main products include concrete sprayers, lifting and charging equipment, as well as underground transport vehicles. Normet machines incorporate the most modern technical features combined with professional research and development in close cooperation with customers. Click here.Normet operates a manufacturing plant in Iisalmi, Finland, with a combined space of 23,000 sq m. The number of employees is 345 and the company’s annual sales come close to EUR80 million. Two years ago, Normet launched its Life Time Care (LTC) concept. With LTC, Normet targets to develop the customer-supplier relationship to a new level. The concept extends the supplier’s interest to follow the machines’ life by offering a lifetime support to customers. Visit www.normet.fi 43/07.