Posted: Apr 26, 2010
Fairfield, CA, April 26, 2010 – Walker Bay Boats today announced the signing of two key partnerships for the Italian and Finnish markets: Upwind SRL and Ultimate Marine will now retain exclusive distribution rights for specific product lines in their respective territories. “We are extremely excited and are working closely with our new partners,” said Chris Carroll, Vice President of Sales for Walker Bay. “Both of these dealers exemplify the high quality support and service we look for when seeking out new distributors. Upwind SRL will be selling our full line of products throughout Italy while Ultimate Marine will distribute our Genesis and Generation line of RIBs in Finland.”
The addition of these two distributors fills a gap between growing consumer demand and the associated need for a local supplier. “Walker Bay is present in over 50 countries worldwide,” said Carroll, “but because of the recent and substantial growth in our product lines the need for more local suppliers in key markets exists. We will continue to pursue similar relationships, matching excellent service providers with the needs of local consumers.”
Upwind SRL was initially established as a branch of historical Italian company, Centro Italian Yachting, with the intent to continue on with similar activities, namely to focus on the distribution of marine brands. Industry veterans Nicolò Colnaghi and Marcello Menegazzi forefronted the effort. With 25 plus years of experience and driven by their passion for boating, the pair decided to pursue their goal of becoming the main Italian distributor for motor and sailing boats. Upwind’s mission is to get consumers close to the water and the sea by offering a range of easy-to-use products. The official presentation and market launch of the Walker Bay brand will happen at the upcoming Genoa International Boat Show in October, where Walker Bay will be presented in both the motor and sail areas.
Ultimate Marine is a new web based market place that is owned by Ultimate Market, a well known Finnish company whose product groups consist of building and energy solutions. Ultimate Market launched Ultimate Marine in 2010 with several high class boat brands. They will specialize in Motor yachts and RIBs moving forward and focus on direct marketing and selling. It has already exhibited at events in Helsinki & Turku, and will soon be attending the Naantali and Helsinki floating boat exhibitions. “In the Finnish boat market Ultimate is a new force, but not a silent one,” said Essi Rosendahl-Silvonen, Marketing Director at Ultimate Marine. “We are well placed given our product selection and quality. It will take some time and education before the Finnish people will understand the true essence of RIBs, but we are well prepared to help grow this market.”
About Walker Bay Boats
For over 10 years, Walker Bay® has redefined the benchmark for small boats by combining the perfect balance of performance, aesthetics and engineering. Manufacturing an award winning line of exceptionally crafted motorboats, sailboats, rowboats, RIBs and high-pressure inflatable kayaks, Walker Bay® continues to push the boundaries of innovation with boats that are durable, versatile, practical and easy to use. With over 65,000 boats in use, Walker Bay® is available in over 50 countries around the world and can be found on the web at www.walkerbay.com.
Posted: Apr 26, 2010
