The OSRAM syndicate, a member of the SIEMENS group, is among the world top three corporations in the light source production. Their operations in Slovakia started in October 1995 by acquisition of the TESLA Nové Zámky, a.s. The number of employees grew from 780 to 1100 since. The production is oriented on car lamps and general purpose filament lamps. New production programme has started - manufacture of the technology equipment and components for the syndicate affiliates.

Lars Johnsen, OSRAM Slovakia a.s. general director gives an account of their first operating experience in Slovakia: "Three years of operation are not enough for an industrial development of a company. We are at the very beginning. At first we were concerned by the transfer of goods across the boarder, and later the company progress was rather challenged by the certification and import surcharge issues. It is our attempt to develop this company, especially if stable economic and political conditions prevail in the country. The present government confirms positive changes in this respect."

Cash flow is a synonym for business. According to Mr. Johnsen the business in Slovakia was hampered by cash flow being too slow. Slovak market, as he says, is in a process of an interesting development arriving at the point of concentration into larger business units and establishment of self-service stores. The OSRAM expects that this tendency, known from the West European experience, will continue.

It is difficult to imagine that business would be established rapidly without international companies. OSRAM brings to Slovakia a wide offer, attempting to build a competitive company. This creates a base for a long-term development. L. Johnsen: "We have gradually reconstructed and refurbished the company premises. We built a new plant within the old one. We maintained the outside walls, replaced the floors, roof, inner walls, and we upgraded and expanded the production facilities. Now, three year later, these changes are still not over. We are presently building a new heating and cooling system."

We allocate approximately 3 % of our labour cost for training and education of our staff. More than 100 staff members were trained abroad. Extensive language courses were needed at first to facilitate communication with foreign managers. No language barrier is hampering us presently.

Shortage of qualified manpower was addressed through own education centre arrangements and in co-operation with the vocational school, that is training young people for the company. The education of company manpower is a precondition for business expansion of our company."

"Better light for better life."