It’s time for a new chapter at GETT – Our first manufacturing facility in the USA. Join us on this exciting journey, from the first site visit to the first product.

Hey everyone,

I’m Sandra, the General Manager of GETT North America, and I’m thrilled to share our very first blog post with you. I’ll be telling you all about the exciting and challenging journey we’ve had at GETT.AMERICA over the past few months.

The Beginning of a Vision

In March 2023, the idea of opening our first production site in North America came to life. This step opened up a lot of opportunities, especially in one of the largest markets in the world. Not long after, in May 2023, our President, Pierre Beer, attended a U.S. event in Washington to make valuable connections.

Challenges and Successes

In August 2023, our Business Development Manager joined the team to push the project forward. By October, we were touring several potential locations and having conversations with potential business partners to gather feedback and make the best decisions. Finally, in April 2024, we found the perfect spot and signed the lease. Moving our existing office was a challenge that we tackled together. Despite some logistical hurdles and cultural differences in dealing with real estate, we successfully completed the move.

Thinking about setting up in the U.S. too? Here are some valuable tips for you:

• Site Visits: These go much faster and are more “casual” than in Germany. Don’t let yourself be rushed; take your time during the visit.
• Documentation: Take videos, snap photos, and measure important rooms if needed. A laser measuring tool can be very handy.
• Contracts: Don’t hesitate to contact the building manager afterward to go over what needs to be done to the property before signing the lease.
• Preparation: Be ready for anything and have a Plan B. Communication and collaboration with local brokers, building managers, and authorities can be challenging but also a learning experience.
• Legal Matters: Make sure to thoroughly research local regulations and standards to avoid any nasty surprises.

Market Analysis and Strategic

Considerations We chose the U.S. as a location because it’s one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world. Access to a large customer base and proximity to key business partners were decisive factors. Plus, the U.S. offers attractive conditions for foreign investors and businesses.

Cultural Differences in Business

Here are some cultural differences in business practices:

• Speed and Flexibility: American business partners are often more flexible and expect quick decisions. Be prepared to act fast and stay flexible.
• Direct Communication: Communication in the U.S. is often more direct and less formal than in Germany, which can lead to misunderstandings if you’re not used to it.
• Networking: Networking is a big deal. Take every opportunity to connect and build relationships.

Emotional Rollercoaster

The emotions we’ve experienced during this time have been all over the place: from excitement and joy to frustration and exhaustion, to relief and pride. Every challenge has made us stronger and taught us valuable lessons.