Sports gear export drive

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 17

Sports gear export drive

The deeds of New Zealand sportsmen and sportswomen have earned the country recognition overseas —soon New Zealand may become as widely known for its sports equipment.

Gollin Sports, Ltd, is launching the biggest export drive undertaken hy a New Zealand sports manufacturer, and already the results are encouraging.

Aided by Government incentives to export, the company has this year secured a foothold in the United States for. its tennis and squash rackets. It has also appointed a distributor in the United Kingdom for its rackets and golfing equipment. In the coming months, Gollin will be seeking new markets in Japan, where it hopes to sell countless golf balls, South Africa, Asia and South America. It also hopes to increase its sales in North America and the E.E.C. countries.

In New Zealand, Gollin Sports, which was established by the main company at Woolston three years ago, sells its products under the Spalding brand. Overseas, the company uses its own name.

The marketing director of Gollins Sports (Mr B. R.

Lark) says that the company has reached the stage where it is able to satisfy the local market, and is confident that it can compete favourably 'with overseas manufacturers.

He describes the export potential as “quite incredible,” and says he beI lieves the time has never been better for New Zealand 'manufacturers to enter the 'export field. I Gollin sports equipment is Swell established in Australia Sand Fiji, and the company has received smaller orders !from the West Indies and | South America.