The company now exports to over 30 international markets including South America where UPU has seen its business increase three-fold in Uruguay and Chile over the last nine months.
In addition to its manufacturing plant in Dromore, UPU has a production facility in Kansas, USA. In response to a substantial increase in demand for its product range in the North American market alone, staff from UPU Dromore regularly travel out to Kansas to support the local team.
Much of the success of the growth strategy has stemmed from UPU’s investment in new product development and particularly the response to its ‘Reflectornet’ pallet netting, a breathable alternative to traditional plastic wrapping used to package and transport pallets of fresh or perishable goods.
UPU’s appointment of specialist sales staff, including those fluent Spanish and French, has also helped the company develop relationships with its international customer base and grow its market share in Spain, France, Belgium and Canada.
Gary Millar, UPU’s International Sales Director said: “The past 18 months has been a period of rapid development for the company and this has seen us extend our reach into new markets as well as building our business in areas where we were already well established.
“We also invested heavily in our overseas marketing and have exhibited at the some of the most high profile international agricultural shows and trade events, such as Agritechnica in Germany and the Canada Outdoor Farm Show in Ontario.
“Backed up with the expertise of our multi-lingual sales force, we have strengthened our global presence, built our contact base and engaged directly with wholesalers, distributors and the wider farming community. “
With sights firmly set on further export growth, UPU has identified the silage and forage markets of New Zealand and Australia as a focus area for 2018/19. It is currently seeking opportunities to extend is distributor network and drive sales in the region.
US customer, David Liefer (second left) from Synthetic Resources, Kansas is pictured during a recent visit to UPU headquarters in Dromore Also pictured are (l-r): Phillip Orr, Gary McDonald and Harry Orr from UPU.
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