American Sanmina-SCI and Swedish NOTE in strategic co-operation
Sanmina-SCI and NOTE announced today at a joint press conference that they have signed a long-term co-operation agreement that clarifies each company's strategy for the Nordic market, creating a stable foundation for further growth. In brief, the agreement means that both companies' customers are guaranteed a "smooth transition" as their electronics production needs change. Together, Sanmina-SCI and NOTE can meet customer requirements, whether for small national orders or global volume contracts.
Swedish NOTE, with some 400 employees and sales of over SEK 500 million in 2001, is one of Sweden's largest and most successful companies in contract manufacturing of electronics. Compared to American Sanmina-SCI, however, the company is small. Sanmina-SCI is one of the world's three largest electronics producers, with over 100 plants in 23 countries and a turnover of over SEK 100 billion.
"There's a significant difference between producing high volumes for international companies and producing smaller batches for local customers," says Sten Dybeck, CEO of NOTE AB. "The important thing is to realise that you can't offer everything. The ability to find - and become the best - in your niche will be the decisive survival factor in increasingly fierce competition."
"For us, the agreement with NOTE is a good way to focus on the Nordic market," says Niclas Olsson, Marketing and Sales Manager at Sanmina-SCI. "Through this collaboration, we're ensuring a high level of service for our Nordic customers, while also enabling us to refine our volume strategy."
The alternative would have been diversification, which in the long run often leads to lower service levels and poorer cost-efficiency. Thanks to co-operation, the companies can now concentrate on increasing market shares in their own field, which is hardly a limitation for either Sanmina-SCI or NOTE.
"On the contrary, volume specialisation makes it easier to grow in each segment. At the same time, together we can provide our customers with increased support regardless of industry, needs and size," concludes Niclas Olsson.
About Sanmina-SCI
Sanmina-SCI is one of the world's leading EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) providers. Sanmina-SCI offers a complete range of services for the design, industrialisation and manufacturing of advanced electronics, mainly in the fields of medical, industrial electronics and communication technologies.
About NOTE
NOTE is one of Sweden's leading EMS suppliers, with a presence in Kista, Norrtälje, Torsby and Gothenburg. NOTE focuses on high service levels through proximity and flexibility, and has been on Svenska Dagbladet's list of fastest growing companies for the past five years.
For further information contact:
Niclas Olsson, Marketing and Sales Manager, Sanmina-SCI. Tel. 08-477 96 95, 0709-99 52 78
Sten Dybeck, Chief Executive Officer, NOTE AB. Tel. 08-755 65 08, 0708-55 18 00