has consolidated its Scandinavian distributors to form a new joint venture, Martin Scandinavia, with responsibility for the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish markets. The new company will maintain offices in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm with the express goal of strengthening its position in the market for entertainment lighting. Martin Scandinavia will also place increased focus on the architectural segment in Norway and Sweden.
Martin Scandinavia is an expansion of Martin’s home country subsidiary, Martin Danmark, and is expected to be fully operational from January 1, 2003. Brian Friborg, longtime managing director of Martin Danmark, will head the new venture which will handle all three Martin brands: Martin, Mach, and Jem. Management, sales, and administration will operate from headquarters located in Copenhagen with warehousing, distribution, and service functions based in Lystrup, Denmark. Martin’s Norwegian distributor, EHS, holds a small share in the new company.
Martin expects positive growth in the Scandinavian market in 2003. Martin President and CEO Kristian Kolding comments, "By giving the Norwegian and Swedish markets more attention we bring them closer to the Martin organization. That will enable us to give even better service to our Scandinavian customers, and that is what it’s all about!"