This March issue of the Argox newsletter features the response to our January survey on the design of our new generation OS-214. A review of the Stalls & Trading show in Moscow highlights growing awareness for the Argox brand in that market. And the Story of Argox talks about our entry into the U.S. market and how a competitor became a partner.

The current OS-214 has already reached its 10-year milestone. It is one of our most successful models with over a half million units in operation around the world. An updated industrial design is just one of the new features planned for the OS-214, which will also have advanced new functions.

The 250 surveys sent garnered a 39% response with many positive comments. Argox will wait to disclose the most popular design during the worldwide launch of the new model. The new generation OS-214 is expected to maintain Argox's leading position in the market as an industry standard for style, price, and performance.

Argox had discussed and planned this investment for some time before making the actual move. The company's vision has always been to become an internationally recognized brand and we had resolved to make our OBM business as strong as our OEM business. The biggest market for our products was North America so how could we ignore the U.S.?

Argox has always been very confident that we can provide the market with the best products at the very best prices that are supported by our excellent customer service.

We have always believed that customers in North America would prefer our brand for many of their barcoding applications.

When customers and others in the industry heard Argox was planning to set up in the U.S., their initial reaction was, "How does Argox hope to survive in such a competitive market?" Most companies from Taiwan that try to establish a presence in the U.S. often last only a year or two before they pack and go home. The comments Argox heard were, "Where are your brand, sales, and service? How will you do it?"

To enter the very competitive North America market Argox had to answer two key questions:

Through coincidence and good fortune Argox found an outstanding partner and fulfilled the key requirement for our venture into the U.S. market. Fortunately, one of the company founders, Carlson, had made contact with a very well known and respected competitor from the industry.

In 1997, Argox exhibited from a small 10x10 ft. booth at the Scantech Show in Chicago. Carlson was manning the booth and showing the company's first product, the OS-214 barcode printer. On the last day of the show a smartly dressed gentleman came by and began asking questions about the printer's capabilities and price. After exchanging introductions Carlson learned the gentleman was Mr. Bruce Glenn, a top manager for a leading company in the industry. As they discussed the OS-214, Carlson was impressed by this competitor's friendliness and lack of arrogance. Carlson believed that Mr. Glenn's professionalism and capabilities would be perfect to manage the challenging role of growing the Argox business in North America.

In 2003, the Argox partners began talking seriously about setting up in the U.S. and they agreed that they should ask Bruce Glenn to join the Argox team. By 2004 the timing and conditions seemed right and luckily, Bruce Glenn was very pleased to join Argox.

Today Argox North America is a thriving, well-established division for Argox. The sales growth is increasing at an exceptional rate and now represents one of Argox's most promising new markets.

That's how a competitor became a partner, and how Argox got its start in the U.S. market. Feel welcome to contact our North America facility or visit them any time you are in California.