European laptop maker Zepto sets up distribution center in Dearborn

Anyone who has typed away on a laptop in Europe has probably heard of doing so on a Zepto. Say that word in U.S. and most americans will respond with a puzzled look.

That might change soon as the Danish computer manufacturing company looks to expand in North America. Metro Detroiters should care because its setting up its distribution center in Dearborn where its contracting out about a dozen employees.

“If the reception is quite good then we will stay in Dearborn and hire some more people,” says Dennis Olfers, CEO of Denned, which is heading up the effort.

The company, founded in 2002, specializes in making laptops with personalized touches, like unique exterior designs. It sells it lightweight laptops in 14 European countries and hopes to expand into the North America market that sells 10 times as many laptops, Olfers says. It’s teaming up with Dearborn-based Laptop Design USA to offer customized products.

“Almost everybody wants a customized laptop,” Olfers says. “Some people want pink some people want blue.”

The company is coming out with new laptop models in 2009 and hopes that will help it establish a toehold in the U.S. market.

Source: Dennis Olfers, CEO of Denned
Writer: Jon Zemke