At Samtack, thinking globally isn't just a program, policy or initiative - it's the way they do business every day. The company sources, packages and distributes hard drives and other technologies, working with international suppliers to serve the Canadian market. With more than 90 per cent of its workforce internationally trained, the company's diversity is a distinct competitive advantage.
"We hire for quality and attitude first, and if a candidate can bring international experience and know-how to the table, even better," says Royson Ng, President at Samtack, whose leadership team includes executives from China, South Asia, the Middle East and beyond. "We're always looking for creative problem-solvers, so new ways of thinking learned in different parts of the world is an asset that sets us apart."
Parts come from all over the world before being packaged and distributed to Canadian customers, so having team members who speak different languages and understand diverse cultures is critical.
For example, in the major supply markets of Taiwan and China, Samtack staff with experience in those countries can inspect factories and negotiate deals. In Africa, a Samtack employee is researching new opportunities through their own networks and understanding of local business practices.
For a relatively small company - little more than 100 employees - Samtack's success is remarkable. With $130 million revenue last year and 27 per cent of Canadian market share, the company counts heavy hitters such as Wal-Mart, Future Shop and Best Buy among their mass merchant clients.
"We can change production lines in as little as four hours to meet our clients' needs for customized product at the right price," notes Operations Manager Fouad Jazouli. "And because of this flexibility, we can serve smaller clients as easily as the big boxes. Many independent shops are run by new Canadians, and Samtack has the advantage of understanding their unique perspectives."
Samtack works with TRIEC, the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs and others to identify candidates for all aspects of operations, from sales and sourcing to engineering, accounting, and graphic design. Recently, Samtack also initiated talks with Seneca College for an internship program.
It's no wonder that employee retention at Samtack is close to 97 per cent - and there's plenty of opportunity for new immigrants as the company continues to grow.
Samtack's award-winning diversity (90% immigrant-staffed) means $130 million in annual revenue
March 31, 2010
Yonge Street
Edward Keenan
With a staff of just over 100, Markham-based technology distributor Samtack punches above its weight -- in 2009 it saw over $130 million in revenue. And according to company President Royson Ng, a lot of that success can be attributed to the fact that more than 90 per cent of his staff are immigrants to Canada.
Samtack was recognized this week at the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council Immigrant Success Awards, on a stage with companies many times their size. The award, the RBC Immigrant Advantage Award shared with fellow winner Pitney Bowes, recognized how the company "leveraged skilled immigrant talent to respond to changing needs of mass merchant customers; increased market share with smaller, local, diverse retailers and purchased parts from overseas suppliers."
Samtack was founded in Markham 20 years ago but has seen business boom significantly since it went public on the Hong Kong stock exchange six years ago. It now has 27 per cent of the Canadian market in computer parts, supplying such giants as Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
Ng says that hiring people who are immigrants to Canada helps a company to better do business in an international environment. "Immigrants, regardless of where they come from, have a better understanding of local markets around the world," he says. That has helped Samtack set up supply chains and source parts from various global locations, especially China.
And the company isn't about to rest on its laurels. Currently, according to Ng, Samtack is looking to crack South American markets, and so is looking to hire people who speak Spanish.
With over 90 per cent of its 100-plus workforce comprised of immigrants, this computer manufacturing and distribution company has leveraged skilled immigrant talent to respond to changing needs of mass merchant customers; increased market share with smaller, local and diverse retailers and purchased parts from overseas suppliers, mainly from China.
Samtack was recognized at TRIEC’s 4th annual Immigrant Success Awards. Visit www.isawards.ca to learn more.
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