Summary
There are currently about 20 automobile suppliers with Swedish roots in Michigan, and, according to [Lennart Johansson], there is room for more. "But before attempting to expand to a global market, the suppliers' products need to be established in local markets," he says. "The Swedes are inventive and competent, although they're not great at selling their products or marketing themselves, skills that Americans practice in school." However, Lennart believes that with focus and unique product solutions, Swedish suppliers will continue to be successful competitors in global markets. "Especially now that the trend is to give suppliers commissions to deliver entire technical solutions, from product development to delivery - an area where the Swedes already possess expertise," he adds.
[Stefan Petterson] brought his wife and daughter to Detroit. "When my contract ends, we'll move back to Sweden for a while. We think it's important for our daughter's education that she complete ninth grade at home," he explains. But the family likes it overseas. On vacation, they drive their Chevy Suburban to destinations in the U.S. and Canada. "Toronto, where they use kilometers and Celsius, feels like home," says Stefan. "They even sell alcohol at Systembolag" - state liquor shops similar to those in Sweden."We're all here for a reason," [Andreas Lilja] said. "We all have jobs to do. Maybe there is a little bit more pressure on us because it used to be Russians in Detroit and now it's us, and if we're not playing well, we're going to hear about it. Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup. [And] if we don't win the Stanley Cup, we're not good enough."See the full content of this document
Extract
Scandinavian in Detroit
Nordic immigrants to the U.S. drove new industries, it seems, wherever they settled.
In Michigan, they were a major force behind the growth and success of Detroit's automotive industry throughout the 20th century. Today's Scandinavians in Detroit continue the legacy.Being a supplier to the automotive industry isn't a business for the faint of heart. Even after a decade of massive restructuring among both the vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, the process is still going on, as evidenced by recent lay-offs and downsizing in Detroit. Many companies haven't been able to stand the pace and have found greener pastures elsewhere, but profitability among sole Scandinavian suppliers is reportedly very low, if it exists at all. The increasing use of high-tech components offers one ray of hope for Swedish suppliers, and Sweden is considered a future focal point for safer and more intelligent cars, and industry processes.According to the Scandinavian Automotive Suppliers Association, there are more than 1,200 Scandinavian suppliers to U.S. automakers, most of them based in Sweden. We tracked down 25 of these Scandinavians in Michigan, some of whom are pictured here. Left to right:(top row) Sven L. Andén (Sandab), Lennart Johansson (Consul General), Frank Wennberg (ABB), Pontus Söderström (Autoliv), Ryan Kelly (Speedshape), Jim Seta (SKF), Melissa S. Mark (SACC Detroit), (bottom row) Erik Gustavsson (Trelleborg Rubore), Carl-Fredrik von Axelson (UVA Machine Co), Anders Hoberg (Atlas Copco).Sweden's automotive industry alone employs close to 70,000 people and is responsible for approximately 15% of the country's total exports. The development of two premium brands, Saab and Volvo, and two leading truck manufacturers, Volvo Trucks and Scania, has produced a wide range of automotive suppliers that are now increasingly present globally. Developments among the vehicle manufacturers have put pressure on the tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, a domino effect that is felt throughout the whole supply chain.As our interview with Bo I. Andersson, who's in charge of global supply chain for GM, makes readily clear, the restructuring and new demands from the industry are far from over. With a systems vision as all-encompassing as the one Andersson has built for GM, he may rightfully be one of the most interesting car people to follow today. For a closer look, turn to his interview on page 46.Vehicle manufacturers are in a continual process of rationalizing their purchasing through the use of common components and platforms - all combined with joint development programs. Volvo chairman and Ford Executive Hans-Olov Olsson, however, stresses how this rationalization has to be carefully balanced so as not to deteriorate the incremental values that make up a brand in people's minds. The interview with Olsson follows our presentation of Michigan suppliers.Sven L. AndénPresident and CEO, SandabSandab is an American-based company dealing with business development. They specialize in European companies located in Michigan, in both the automotive field and biotech/life sciences. "We help new companies with contacts, staffing, and business organization," says Swedish president and CEO Sven Andén.Sven believes that cooperation between...See the full content of this document
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