MAKING CONNECTIONS Denmark’s GN Netcom is part of the GN Store Nord group, supplying headsets and other equipment under the Jabra brand. Industry Europe looks at the latest from the company.
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hile GN Netcom prides itself on its ever-increasing business on the office side of its operation, it is also seeing significant growth in its mobile products. A number of exciting products are being launched in response to growing trends in both consumer and professional items – and more are on the way. “We are starting to really address these trends and, as a result, I think these new products will drive growth for us,” says a company spokesperson. “On the consumer side, these are mobile and communication products in the areas of music and fitness. Also, more and more people are trying to be more flexible and to have the option of working in different locations. They therefore want products that will enable them to do so.”
A global operation GN Store Nord’s history goes back to 1869 when the Great Northern Telegraph Company was founded. Initially functioning as a telegraph company, it today focuses on headsets, through GN Netcom, and hearing instruments and audiological diagnostics equipment, through GN ReSound. GN headsets are marketed globally under the Jabra brand whereas GN’s hearing instruments are marketed under the ReSound, Beltone and Interton brands. All products are largely manufactured in China. The total workforce comprises around 4100 employees of which approximately 900 are in Denmark. The group’s headquarters are in Ballerup, just outside Copenhagen. It sells its products worldwide and is seeing particularly strong growth in Asia.
Streaming sound One of the big developments for GN Netcom in the areas of music and sports is that technology has moved much further in supporting music streaming. And as demand has grown and technology improved so the company has developed more complementary consumer products. “One product is the Jabra Halo and another is the Jabra Clipper,” explains the company spokesperson. “Also, for music and sport, 148 Industry Europe