A good reputation of the German industry is still given in the branch of laboratory and medical tech-nology, distinguished from the competitors by innovative high quality products and rising export business even of small and medium sized companies.
From its beginnings at 1990, the EKF-diagnostic GmbH in Barleben/Magdeburg already focused the demands of worldwide customers. Expanding the portfolio with analyzers for point of care (POC) diagnostics, today its sales department covers all international key markets, realizing 75% of the total turnover by export activities. A similar relation of national and international business can also be found in the visitor statistics of the MEDICA Duesseldorf/Germany, as the most important trade fair for the medical industry.
In addition to EKF's frequent participation at congresses and trade fairs, the company looked after alternate options for an international market approach. Inviting for its 1st international distributor meeting in Potsdam, the response and the composition of the 40 registered visitors was outstand-ing: Distributors e.g. from Singapore, China, Russia, Canada, the Ivory Coast and many European countries gave an impressing overview of the worldwide market - and demonstrated an obvious interest for the provided product presentations, market information and practical workshops.
The three days were partitioned in the three main topics Glucose monitoring (private, clinical and research applications, e.g. with the new CLAMP system), anemia screening and hemoglobin testing e.g. at blood donor services, as well as established and future markets of lactate analysis. The ses-sions were added by user reports and lectures of independent scientists. Berthold Walter, CEO of the EKF-diagnostic GmbH, is very satisfied with the success of the event:
"Today, the electronic communication is always at our fingertips - but for real understanding, direct and personal contacts are an essential need. The multi-cultural mix of our distributor meeting was an excellent opportunity to share manifold experiences and to figure out new market options. Everybody - including myself - got new impressions and incitements, to transform in objective targets for the future product and business development now."
After the evaluation of all feedback comments, the time and effort was a good investment for the manufacturer EKF and its distributors as well. By the way, the quality brand "Made in Germany" was also confirmed by the various insights in "German" virtues above the typical prejudices: The guests are astonished about the beauty of the historic parks and buildings in Potsdam, and very delighted of the warmth and spontaneity of their German hosts. A comeback is already scheduled for 2010, when the 2nd EKF-distributor meeting will be arranged in Dresden/Germany.
From its beginnings at 1990, the EKF-diagnostic GmbH in Barleben/Magdeburg already focused the demands of worldwide customers. Expanding the portfolio with analyzers for point of care (POC) diagnostics, today its sales department covers all international key markets, realizing 75% of the total turnover by export activities. A similar relation of national and international business can also be found in the visitor statistics of the MEDICA Duesseldorf/Germany, as the most important trade fair for the medical industry.
In addition to EKF's frequent participation at congresses and trade fairs, the company looked after alternate options for an international market approach. Inviting for its 1st international distributor meeting in Potsdam, the response and the composition of the 40 registered visitors was outstand-ing: Distributors e.g. from Singapore, China, Russia, Canada, the Ivory Coast and many European countries gave an impressing overview of the worldwide market - and demonstrated an obvious interest for the provided product presentations, market information and practical workshops.
The three days were partitioned in the three main topics Glucose monitoring (private, clinical and research applications, e.g. with the new CLAMP system), anemia screening and hemoglobin testing e.g. at blood donor services, as well as established and future markets of lactate analysis. The ses-sions were added by user reports and lectures of independent scientists. Berthold Walter, CEO of the EKF-diagnostic GmbH, is very satisfied with the success of the event:
"Today, the electronic communication is always at our fingertips - but for real understanding, direct and personal contacts are an essential need. The multi-cultural mix of our distributor meeting was an excellent opportunity to share manifold experiences and to figure out new market options. Everybody - including myself - got new impressions and incitements, to transform in objective targets for the future product and business development now."
After the evaluation of all feedback comments, the time and effort was a good investment for the manufacturer EKF and its distributors as well. By the way, the quality brand "Made in Germany" was also confirmed by the various insights in "German" virtues above the typical prejudices: The guests are astonished about the beauty of the historic parks and buildings in Potsdam, and very delighted of the warmth and spontaneity of their German hosts. A comeback is already scheduled for 2010, when the 2nd EKF-distributor meeting will be arranged in Dresden/Germany.
