In 2011, COPA-DATA’s latest national office started trading in Seoul, Korea. With this entry into the Asian market, the Automation Expert is sending a clear signal about its intentions of further international expansion. Many well-known manufacturers and manufacturing companies are represented in Korea, either by their headquarters or a subsidiary, which presents lucrative business opportunities for COPA-DATA. Great potential can be seen, particularly in the food & beverage sector and also in the energy and infrastructure sector. However, COPA-DATA is not entering new territory by founding the office. In the past, COPA-DATA has implemented projects in Asia, but they have been managed from Europe. COPA-DATA Korea will now provide skills, expertise and service locally. The team at the new subsidiary will bring to bear experience of HMI/SCADA automation, PLC programming and system implementation - and are familiar with the particular characteristics of the Korean market. With a team of five people, the most essential functions – including management, sales, consulting and marketing – are already being delivered. COPA-DATA Head of Global Marketing, Mirjam Riesemann, who has responsibility for new markets, is pleased with the development of COPA-DATA’s business in Asia: “The team working with COPA-DATA Korea, under Managing Director Sung-Ho Ryu, is optimally equipped and ready to begin work on new projects. We are very happy with the progress of the new representative office. The Korean team has the ideal prerequisites for entering the Korean market and we are convinced that this initiative will also open the door to other Asian markets.” Edited by Constanze Schmitz
