Building on Success

In April 2016, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions appointed Linda Muroski as President of Marketing Americas. Linda gave in the groove some of her valuable time to tell us about herself, what she thinks of her role so far and what her plans are for the future.

ITG: What brought you to Trelleborg?

Linda: I came to Trelleborg because I saw an organization that is customer-focused. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions does not just supply ‘products’ it supplies solutions. I liked the way it partners with companies to offer high quality products along with services. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is a market-driven organization that listens to customers concerns and strives to address them with constant improvements. That impresses me.Having worked in many other organizations where it is “do it our way” or we won't help you, I find Trelleborg's approach much more appealing.

ITG: What are your initial observations of the business and market?

Linda: I have taken over a successful business and now it is time to build on that success for the future. We’re at a point where we are positioned for a stepped change.

Recently some markets have been challenging but Trelleborg Sealing Solutions positions itself as a partner that can provide often unique sealing and bearing solutions specifically to meet customers’ most demanding needs. This allows us to remain strong even when there are market fluctuations.

Trelleborg always aims at solving customer's complex issues and lowering total cost of ownership. We often supply custom components but also want to encourage our customers to keep in mind that Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has standard offerings that can be used for demanding applications while keeping their development costs down.

ITG: What’s your long term vision for Marketing Americas at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and what are your plans to foster organic growth?

Linda: My long term vision is to continue to improve our customer's experience so that all customers are satisfied with every interaction. For our employees, we want to provide a positive engaging work environment so that customers can see this as a real difference. Both of these factors will have a constructive effect on the organic growth of the organization.

We are creating a framework for excellence in talent management, innovation, how we view the market and efficiencies in our processes. We call this Vision 2020: TIME FOR GROWTH.

It is important in achieving growth that we ensure that customers know we not only serve them with customengineered components but also that we offer standard products. By doing this we can expand our share of business with our existing customers.

Another strategy is to evaluate our markets holistically and improve our communications about new products and applications across these markets. Increasing our presence in emerging market applications, such as in healthcare, medical, potable water and food & beverages, is also key to growth.

ITG: What is your view on the trend to move from traditional methods of communicating with customersto a more digital approach?

Linda: Customers now have access to many sources of information from the internet. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has recognized this and provides customers with apps that address common issues faced in sealing applications and references for solutions with application data ranging from sizing to material compatibility. By providing these digital tools we feel we arm the customer with the ability to resolve application questions quickly and easily, which is a really great initiative and one we will promote in the Americas.

CLAUS BARSØE, President Trelleborg Sealing Solutions