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| Xu Jiangang, co-owner and managing director of Etman’s factory in Changzhou (left) and Etman International CEO Hans Petter Slettebo pose for a photo. |
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Etman International group, a producer of electrical accessories such as switches, power sockets and cables, provides a fine example of a successful Norwegian-Chinese collaboration. The group, based in Norway and China, celebrated in 2011 its 25th anniversary by expanding a product range in three main markets: Do-It-Yourself, professional and industrial.
“Once you tried our products it is hard to stop using them. Norwegian know-how mixed with Chinese good spirit and work ethic is the foundation for our group. We continue to grow and build strong partnerships in China,” said CEO Hans Petter Slettebø, one of the company co-founders.
“In the electronics sector, we have everything you need to build a house. Our products meet the highest Norwegian environmental standards. They are safe, energy-efficient and of a high quality, that can be compared with any of our high ranked competitors,” he added.
The history of the company and the CEO show the close links between China and Norway. Etman began its partnership with China National Electronic Import & Export Corp in 1991, while Slettebø is a good friend of the corporate president, Chen Xu. Sixty percent of Etman’s shareholders and almost half of the board members are Chinese.
“I always felt that Norwegian and Chinese attitudes are alike in being respectful and hardworking. In my 20 years of working closely with the Chinese I have many good experiences from our partners, colleagues, employees and the local government,” Slettebø said.
The company built a factory and hired 350 employees in Changzhou close to Nanjing, Jiangsu province, which has been led by managing director and co-owner, Xu Jiangang, whom Slettebø considers “family.” This attitude extends to all employees.
The factory, clad in colors of the Norwegian flag, has obtained all leading environmental and production certificates.
Jerry, another Etman subsidiary in China, focuses on energy-saving products at home, which is led by Wu Lanfen, another longtime friend of Slettebø. The company is growing in the Shanghai market, where its “Smart-Home” and safety protection devices are quickly gaining traction in the consumer market.
The group has strong R&D and production teams in place in both nations. In mid-2012, Etman will open several outlets and shops for professional customers on the Norwegian western coast and will focus on key customers in other European countries.
“Our long-term strategy is to keep innovation and know-how going strong. We want to be a reliable supplier, which is developing more innovative and high-tech products,” Slettebø said.
www.etman.no |