HUSKVARNA, Sweden, Jan. 23, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Viking Sewing Machines AB has established a Czech company for the manufacturing of Pfaff home sewing machines.
Final assembly is currently undertaken by Zetina in the Czech Republic. Some 200 Zetina employees currently work with Viking Sewing Machines' products, and they are now being offered jobs in the newly formed company VSM Production s.r.o.
Since the Pfaff acquisition Viking Sewing Machines has launched five new Pfaff sewing machine models, as well as new software and accessories. They are now taking the next step in creating the new Pfaff.
"It is with considerable pleasure that I can announce that those people who have worked to build up Pfaff's quality over such a long time are joining the new company. Together we will now ensure that VSM Production s.r.o. becomes a world class company, helping us in our work of building up the new Pfaff," says Svante Runnquist, MD of Viking Sewing Machines.
With its Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff brands, Viking Sewing Machines is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home sewing machines. Since 1991, Zetina has assembled some 100,000 sewing machines a year for Pfaff. This collaboration has continued since Viking Sewing Machines' acquisition of Pfaff in April 2000; last autumn, the millionth Pfaff sewing machine was assembled at Zetina's plant in Brno.
Starting from 1 February 2002, Viking Sewing Machines will start manufacturing under its own management. The Zetina employees - both management and staff - who have been involved in the manufacturing are now being offered jobs in VSM Production s.r.o., which is wholly owned by Viking Sewing Machines. The operation will be conducted in the existing premises.
"This is a natural step, bearing in mind that we have already invested considerable sums in the plant - in production equipment, IT systems and so on," says Svante Runnquist.
Viking Sewing Machines AB develops, produces, markets and sells home sewing machines and accessories which provide consumers worldwide with the potential to experience the joy of creative sewing. With brands such as Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff, the company is one of the world's leading players in the industry. It sells some 500,000 sewing machines annually, corresponding to a turnover of just over SEK 2.5 billion. The Group has around 1,550 employees, of whom 500 are in Sweden. The company is certified in accordance with the international quality and environmental management systems ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Read more at www.husqvarnaviking.com