
Career Story from France: Building customer relationships and expanding markets
With over 25 years of experience in sales and technical solutions, Mathibala (Mathi) Balasubramaniam has built a career around customer relationships and expanding business opportunities. His expertise in injection molding and industrial components has given him a deep understanding of the needs of various industries.
The career path of business development professional and entrepreneur
Before joining Fibox, Mathi gained extensive experience in technical sales and business development within the industrial sector. He worked for a global company specializing in hot runner systems, where he managed key customer accounts and collaborated with international teams across Europe. Over the years, he deepened his expertise in technical solutions, customer relationship management, and business expansion.
Later, he took on a role in a company providing mold components, focusing on developing business in injection molding solutions. Additionally, Mathi has experience in entrepreneurial settings, having operated as a business owner, which provided him with valuable insights into managing a business and navigating the challenges of a smaller, more uncertain environment. After gaining experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles, I decided to join Fibox to leverage my technical expertise and strong industry network in a more stable, growth-focused environment.
Mathi’s new role at Fibox is a natural progression in his career and aligns perfectly with his past experiences. I enjoy working in an international environment and engaging with customers in different markets. Fibox stood out to me as a company with strong technical expertise, a global presence, and great potential for business development, Mathi says.
Starting at Fibox: learning, adapting, and identifying opportunities
Mathi started at Fibox as a Business Development Manager in France in November 2024. During his first months at Fibox, he focused on learning the organization, understanding ongoing projects, and introducing himself to both existing and potential customers. Now, Mathi is concentrating on identifying new opportunities, particularly in the solar energy sector, which holds enormous potential in Europe. His technical background has enabled him to quickly assess opportunities within Fibox, and his ability to build relationships with customers provides a strong foundation for future business expansion in France.
At Fibox, teamwork plays a key role in success. Our French team is very close-knit, and I work closely with my colleagues, including sales managers and the purchasing manager. I also collaborate with teams across Europe to ensure we provide customers with the best solutions.
Future goals and personal drivers
Mathi’s goal is to strengthen Fibox’s presence in France, maintain strong relationships with existing customers, and develop new markets. We are focusing on expanding into new industries and offering full key solutions to customers.
Looking ahead, he wants to deepen his knowledge of Fibox’s global operations and take on greater responsibilities. Challenges motivate me, and I see great potential in growing our business further. I believe that honesty, strong technical expertise, and good customer relationships are the key to long-term success.
His advice to others who wish to follow a similar career path is to embrace the challenges of the industry, stay curious, and focus on building relationships: I believe in the importance of being open to learning, taking on new opportunities, and working hard to make a name for oneself in the industry.
Outside of work, he is passionate about traveling, especially to island destinations. He is also interested in science, particularly topics related to the universe and technology. Balancing work and personal life are important to me. On weekends, I take time to relax and be with my family.