I worked in the Finnish fashion industry in the early years of my career, from 1989 to 1996. During those seven years, the number of jobs in the textile and clothing industry in Finland halved from over 30,000 to less than 15,000. Now there are fewer than 5,000 jobs. It is clear that only the strongest companies in the industry have survived this drastic structural change.

I was previously familiar with Dimex as a company, having been one of the top names in the business magazines' lists of successful companies in the Northern Savo region for several years. Now, as a board member, I have been getting to know the company in more detail for a few months. I have been able to say that Dimex's success is the result of determined and uncompromising work.

In my opinion, long-term success in business requires that a company must be able to create value for its customers under all circumstances. Dimex creates value in two ways: from the end user's perspective, Dimex's products are made to be durable, functional and safe workwear for all those who do their job with a full attitude. From the retailer's perspective, Dimex's products offer the opportunity to make a good financial result. In my opinion, a strong brand distinguished by quality and delivery reliability and a commitment to developing the retail channel are the cornerstones of Dimex's operations.

Dimex celebrated its 35th anniversary last year. At the same time, a controlled and carefully planned generational change was completed at Dimex. As a new member of the board, it has been easy to see that the family company is now led by a creative trio with the Dimex attitude, who have a strong shared will to develop Dimex into an even stronger company both in Finland and in the surrounding areas.

-Arto Herranen