History and values
Wiedemanni Translations was established in late 1999, when the world economy was in the grip of a major crisis. Even though there were already quite a few translation agencies, two graduates of the University of Tartu decided to start another from the scratch. Liina and Külli had a total of five young children between them, the youngest only ten months old. Yet they had the idealism and the stubbornness to want to do things better than others had done previously, and they were spurred on by the desire to improve. They borrowed money from a young pig farmer to start the company and rented the first 16-square-metre office at Rävala 6.
Our first major clients were the Estonian Privatisation Agency, Foster Wheeler OY and Viking Line.
One of the founders, Liina Teder, is still with the company today. When entering the translation business, Liina wanted to draw inspiration from a prominent linguist and suggested Ferdinand Johann Wiedemann (1805-1887), whose importance as a researcher and innovator of the Estonian language is immeasurable. Besides the rich cultural heritage invoked, the founding partners also liked the international ring of the name. Today, Wiedemanni Translations is an international company with clients in 20 countries across the world.
Wiedemanni Translations has historically had two main focuses – cooperation and synergy. We have made every effort to address our clients' translation needs. It has been equally important for us to provide a positive environment that encourages the personal development of creative humanitarians, so that they can devote themselves to doing what they love.
Our core values have always been flexibility, friendliness and helpfulness, professionalism, entrepreneurship and a good sense of humour. Throughout the years, our team members have been committed to personal development – the relentless improvement of their skills and character. They happily bear on their shoulders a whole planet of translation, packed with the cultures of the world and information that contributes to improving lives. Already in its third decade, our team is tenacious and never gives up. In recent years, the agency has renewed its core team and developed a new visual identity. It is important for us to continue to offer a diverse range services and to maintain our position among the leaders in the translation market.