PDF Document 4.74 MB - Investment AB Latour

INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONSaimed at augmenting sales with continuedgood profitability.International expansionHultafors Group has grown from a Nordicto a European supplier. The brandsin Hultafors Group are sold in close to40 countries globally, with emphasison Europe and the Nordic region. In2012 the Hultafors Group continued tomake investments in marketing that areexpected to have a good effect in thecoming years.The company has its own salescompanies on the key markets inEurope. Other markets are eithercovered by franchise companiesor importers. In 2012, 44 percentof total net sales were generatedoutside the Nordic region, withthe strongest development in Belgium,Switzerland, Great Britainand France, although from a lowlevel. However, sales developmentshave been slow during the year dueto the weak European economy.Snickers Workwear – passionfor better work clothesSnickers Workwear is drivingthe development of advancedand functional work clothesin trades, service and transportation.At the end of 2012 the brandwas represented in 28 countries,making it one of the strongestin Europe. In 2012 thefranchise in the Netherlands,Snickers Original BV with 17employees, was acquired. Thisacquisition will give HultaforsGroup greater leverage onthe Dutch market.The leading internationalcompetition is KwintetGroup among others.Focusing on the productadvancement processSnickers Workwear continuesto lead developmentin the industryand in 2012launched severalnew products withbetter functionalityand quality, among them the new toolcarryingsystem that includes a tool bagand tool belt for craftsmen. This innovationreceived an award in the internationaldesign contest Red Dot Awards.The company’s successful productdevelopment and marketing providesSnickers Workwear with a good platformto gain more market shares inEurope.Hultafors Tools– hand tools you can rely onHultafors Tools offers a broad selectionof advanced hand tools for the constructionbusiness and industry.Hultafors is a leading brand on theNordic market for hand tools.The brand offers a broad range ofproducts primarily for craftsmen inconstruction who require high quality,functional tools. Through its productdevelopment Hultafors shows innovativethinking in an otherwise traditionalindustry.In 2012 the company launched aninnovative adjustable wrecking barnamed Best of the Best in the internationaldesign contest Red Dot Awards.International competition includesSNA Group, Irwin Industrial Tools andStanley Black & Decker as well as anumber of regionally strong producers.Wibe Ladders– safety in each stepWibe Ladders offers innovative laddersand scaffolding for craftsmen.Like the two other brands emphasisis on product development and since itjoined the Hultafors Group Wibe Laddershas increased this type of investment.The development of equipmentused for work at great heights is highlyregulated and investing in more productdevelopment has given Wibe Ladders agood position.In 2012 one of the new products welaunched was a scaffolding range withfour new models that are well suited tothe Nordic climate. They are stable andeasy to mount, which makes for simpleand safe handling.Zarges is one of the leading internationalcompetitors. Other manufacturersare mainly local.24 LATOUR ANNUAL REPORT 2012