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All-Clad – Bridal promotion
1 factory in the United States.
5 marketing companies.
1 logistics platform.
GROUPE SEB commitment...
SUPPORTING SOCIAL INTEGRATION
CORPORATE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2007
NORTH AMERICA STANDING FIRM
Trading in the North American market was contrasted. In Canada,
business was brisk in a competitive context where Tefal, Rowenta
and Krups performed well alongside top American labels and
retailer brands. The presence of our Canadian marketing
subsidiary works in the Group’s favour as it ensures close and solid
client relations and a strong pricing position.
In Mexico, the lifting of customs barriers against Asian imports
radically changed the business climate. Mexican industry is badly
affected by growing competition in entry-level products. However,
the Group achieved sturdy growth by concentrating on specialist
distribution in the up-market sector.
Business was more uneven in the United States where consumer
demand is cramped by the tense economic climate. Mid-range
products are under pressure from aggressive entry-level pricing
and the continued shift to top-range products – which helped
All-Clad cookware sales. Rowenta held its positions in linen care
products and is opening the US market for steam generating
systems. Krups, on the other hand, has still not made up
for ground lost awaiting the arrival of its new ranges this year.
Meanwhile, the Group is working on a gradual up-market reorientation
of T-Fal cookware, with Mirro WearEver aimed at entry-level.
Support for social integration projects is at the heart of Groupe SEB’s corporate sponsorship effort, particularly
through its newly-created Groupe SEB Corporate Foundation. Many of the Group’s employees do voluntary work
for its sponsored projects. In France, for example, some 50 employees participate in the work of Lyon’s Habitat
et Humanisme which assists people in difficulty to find accommodation
while helping them to return to a normal life.
In its efforts to support the jobless, the Foundation sponsors
several initiatives in France, such as the Envie network which
helps people at risk to return to the employment market via a
workshop which repairs electrical household appliances. It is also
a partner with the Second Chance Foundation which supports
people in difficulty who are really motivated to get back to work,
by helping them to set up or take over a small business or to
undertake training.
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