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Two golfwear brands sign distribution deal

17 Nov '09

3 min read

Glenmuir, one of Europe's leading golf apparel brands,announced an historic agreement with Sunderland of Scotland to become the official European distributor for the world-class Sunderland product range of waterproofs and windproofs.

Effective from January 1st 2010, the convergence of these two Scottish-based golf clothing legends into Glenmuir's Lanark headquarters will further establish both brands at the forefront of the European golf industry supply chain.

Glenmuir has achieved significant growth over recent years and adding the European-wide Sunderland distribution to its business provides the opportunity for immediate growth and improved utilisation of its Lanark administration, warehousing and distribution facilities.

Administration of Sunderland business will be absorbed within Glenmuir's Lanark facility from January 1st and it is anticipated that product fulfilment will be fully moved to Lanark by early 2010. Brian Mair, currently Sunderland Sales and Marketing Director, will be joining Glenmuir as Marketing Director and will oversee the absorption of the Sunderland activities and assume responsibility for marketing both brands.

Further Glenmuir reorganisation sees Ann Turner appointed Product Development and Buying Manager. Ann will join the existing senior management team of Graham Hayward, Sales Director, Colin Mackay, Commercial Director and Fiona Barclay, Financial Controller.

Announcing the significant news, Colin Mee, who continues as Glenmuir Managing Director, said: “This is an historic day in the golf industry and brings together two of the most-respected golf apparel brands in Europe. I have personally assured Warren Sunderland, the Sunderland of Scotland Chairman, that his brand is in safe hands and that the benefits we can achieve longer term in product and market development are many - and to the benefit of both brands. The addition of the Sunderland distribution provides Glenmuir with a great opportunity to drive our warehouse and distribution facility to maximum efficiency and will provide additional long term security for our Lanark workforce. I look forward to the association with Sunderland with great excitement. I have long been an admirer of the Sunderland product and its brand values, which mirror closely those of Glenmuir and its proud Scottish heritage.”

Following its management buyout from Harris Watson, the Sunderland Board has re-established their leading waterproof brand position within the Great Britain and Ireland markets.

The alliance with Glenmuir will provide the platform for further aggressive growth within the European market for Sunderland, which has repeatedly enjoyed the largest market-share in the golf waterproofs category in the UK1.

Warren Sunderland, of Sunderland of Scotland, said: “Sunderland epitomises quality and playability, while Glenmuir's apparel distribution network is unrivalled. Joining forces with Glenmuir gives the Sunderland brand the best opportunity for growth and a fantastic platform from which to move forwards in a very competitive marketplace. Keeping our roots in Scotland was a major priority and while we are sad to be moving from Selkirk we are extremely pleased that Sunderland remains a Scottish golf brand by relocating our business to Lanark.”

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