After the acquisition of the Jos America by Ottobock the MD Caspar America explained why he chose this path for his company's future.

Caspar America does not leave any doubt that Jos America is in a good position: "Four years after our relocation to Nieuwkuik I can rightly claim that Jos America managed to build up a solid base with its committed staff in the areas where we are active around the world as machine manufacturers and workshop furnishing specialist: Shoe repair, orthopaedic shoe technology, orthopaedic technology and podiatry. " Especially the increasing development of new orthopaedic, orthopaedic shoe technological and shoe repair companies outside of Europe led to the growing demand of designing and furnishing of companies.

Caspar America says that Jos America has grown continually regarding both turnover and staff. "We could reach a growth in turnover of 30 percent in the year 2012 and growth of 21 percent in the year 2013. These are terrific figures! In the past years all business areas of Jos America have participated in this growth that we also achieved thanks to some interesting projects outside of Europe. In order to be ready for the further growth in the future, we prepared our production site and our distribution organization for the future."

The company's growth did not go unnoticed by many suppliers of orthopaedic technological products. They even showed interest in a cooperation, and this also applies to companies that do not offer workshop furnishings at present. Also private investors were interested. "Although they often put forward financially attractive offers, it did not seem to be the right way for the future according to my opinion. I am interested in a continuity of the company and its staff", Caspar America explains his present decision in favor of Ottobock.

"Due to the fact that the world-leading supplier of workshop equipment, Ottobock, partially outsourced its production of workshop equipment, I already was in contact with Ottobock more than 10 years ago. But in the year 2003 time has not come yet for a cooperation. But now it has! In November of 2012 we had our first talks. Then a consulting phase followed. Both sides were open and benevolent and a good relationship as well as mutual respect and confidence have developed. We were quickly convinced that a cooperation has many advantages for both companies."

Also personal reasons played a part in his decision, such as the desire to leave the decision about their professional future up to his children, as well as an illness in the past.

The brand will be conserved

Jos America's focus on innovation and growth is guaranteed with this acquisition. " Ottobock and Jos America planned many investments in order to grow and to offer high-quality and innovative products. The world-wide distribution net of Ottobock and Jos America will be able to foster this enterprise in an excellent way." The cooperation with Ottobock will not lead to any big changes. The brand Jos America will continue to exist in the areas of shoe repair, orthopaedic shoe technology, podotherapy and podiatry, a logical step considering the excellent reputation in these fields. In orthopaedic technology the world-wide known name Ottobock will still be used.

Caspar America would like to continue working for the company. "I will participate intensely in the company in the next years, because I feel young and energetic. But I also enjoy the fact that the company ceased to depend on one single person."

By Annette Switala