A move into India is "definite", says Burr-Lonnon. The company is also considering opening businesses in France and Thailand.
Burr-Lonnon's two territories have flown the flag for Mouser in 2009. The European business, which is set to post a 25 per cent sales increase this year, and Asia will grow a hefty 43 per cent this year.
The long-established north America business has had a tougher time. Burr-Lonnon reckons that overall Mouser sales will be down about three per cent in 2009, a none too shabby performance considering the market turmoil.
Sales in Europe were up across the board in 2009 for every quarter. There has been a real spurt in the second half of the year. "For the third quarter sales are up 45 per cent over the first quarter and over 40 per cent on Q2. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, sales are up 35 per cent.
Investment continued through the year. In February the UK office was opened joining the German business opened the previous year. "We are adding 75 to 80 new customers a day in Europe, about 17,000 to 18,000 a year, says Burr-Lonnon, a rate he reckons justifies the strategy of having a local presence in the European markets.
This approach is backed by new catalogues, the latest of which has just been released in Europe. There are German and English versions and prices are set in pound sterling and Euro.
The company has also pursued new lines on a global basis. "We've paid a lot of attention to the niche lines," Burr-Lonnon remarked. "LED lighting, energy harvesting and some wireless products have been amongst those added to the line card in 2009."
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