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A leading specialist in triathlon wetsuits and sports apparel is ready to take its international business to the next level from Hong Kong.
Orca, the manufacturer of the world's fastest wetsuits and apparel is determined to spearhead its supply chain management by using Hong Kong as its base for global business development.
In October 2005, the company relocated its New Zealand head office to Hong Kong in order to effectively monitor production and stay close to its manufacturers in Asia. Since last November, Orca head office in Hong Kong has become the cost and profit centre for the group. The company will retain an office in New Zealand to handle sales and logistics activities, as well as a sales office in the UK.
Explaining the company's strategy, CEO and Founder of Orca, Mr Scott Unsworth, said, "A gateway to China, Hong Kong is a global logistics hub supported by leading financial services that will enhance Orca's growth.
"In addition, the city's skilled and experienced labour force in the garment industry will assist the company in sourcing and exploring further business opportunities. Our company currently employs 10 local Hong Kong staff with extensive backgrounds in all areas of garment design and manufacturing.
"Orca's products are worn by many of the world's leading athletes. The company sponsors several international teams including the New Zealand Team at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and most recently triathlon and cycling teams at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Our plan is to make Orca a global brand, and being in Hong Kong allows Orca to be strategically placed to achieve this objective.
"Hong Kong is a key market with the presence of many industry players. The city not only offers healthy competition, but also provides important opportunities for us to stay close to market developments, allowing us to respond quickly to needs and demands,Ħħ Mr Unsworth said.
The advantages of being in Hong Kong enable Orca to expand into other product lines. Mr Unsworth added, "Orca's diversifying strategy will strengthen the company's base and its worldwide distribution network, and enhance our revenue streams. The critical commitment is to research, design and build products that take centre stage in every sports category. Our team in Hong Kong is the key for these activities."
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomed Orca's strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong. He said, "Our experienced professionals, industry knowledge, and strategic location at the heart of Asia and at the doorstep of Mainland China enable apparel companies to stay competitive in the market. We are delighted by Orca's long-term commitment to use Hong Kong as a base to grow their brand globally. This is a strong endorsement for Hong Kong's position as a leading hub for apparel design and sourcing. We look forward to the continued expansion of this Hong Kong-headquartered company."
Mr Unsworth, a former New Zealand youth triathlon champion, started Orca in 1995 by selling wetsuits from the boot of his car. Since then, the company has expanded its range of products under the Orca brand to running, swimming, cycling, and training apparel and sports accessories. Orca has received a number of awards, including a Best Business Brand in New Zealand. For more information, please visit the website at www.orca.com.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish and expand a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, March 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:24
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