A Northumberland outdoor gear brand is set for overseas expansion after lining up new distribution deals in Asia.
Endurance sports clothing and equipment brand Montane has been supporting climbing, mountaineering, polar exploration and endurance trail running for than 25 years from its base in Ashington, which employs around 40 people.
In March the business was bought by specialist consumer brand investor Inverleith LLP in moves which were set to ramp up distribution of its mountain sport products, both in the UK and internationally.
Now Montane, based at the North Seaton Industrial Estate, has announced the appointment of two new distributors, Sundance Outdoors Inc. in Japan, and Taifong Group in Taiwan, as part of its ambitious plans for continued international expansion.
The firm has also announced the appointment of Ross Maddams as head of international sales, to drive forward its overseas growth plans.
Bringing more than 15 years of global brand experience including 10 years in the sporting goods industry, the firm said Mr Maddams will provide international sales direction, leading Montane’s sales team in their efforts to intensify the company’s expansion into global markets.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining the Montane team. I have long admired the brand and I am extremely excited to be part of driving the business forward as we look to build on the strong foundations established over the past 20 years.”
Montane said that joining forces with Sundance Outdoors represents an opportunity to raise its brand with Japan’s next generation of customers, who increasingly see mountaineering, sport climbing and healthy living in the outdoors as an attractive lifestyle option.
Meanwhile, it said Taifong Group will help Montane to strengthen its position in the Taiwanese market with the group already preparing its communication strategy to inform all of its stores and branches about the latest addition to its brand portfolio.
