M-Pro managing director, Mario Clabots comments: "Many of the best business brains will tell you that a recession is the best time to invest. To be honest it wasn't the recession that affected our timing, but the opportunity of excellent brands and people that arise as our business grows. Our portfolio today enables us to offer a more complete range of solutions for pro-audio, AV and commercial install."
M-PRO was started by Clabots in 2004 and exclusively represents Astatic, Audica Professional, Community, DécoUS, InOut, MTSi, Quad Industrial and in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (BeNeLux) and APB Dynasonics, Australian Monitor, Symetrix, Xilica in Belgium and Luxembourg (BeLux).
The current round of expansion started last year, with the appointment of M-Pro as KV2 distributor for the Netherlands. "We have distributed KV2 in BeLux since 2007," says Clabots. "Establishing strong dealer support and end-users like Falco and Sequense , who recently invested in a complete VHD system. We were therefore pleased to also be appointed as their distributor for the Netherlands in June 2009. For front-of-house entertainment the systems are exceptional."
The second expansion of brands came with the appointment of M-Pro as BeLux distributor for Clock Audio in November 2009. "Clock Audio gives us a premium brand of installation and handheld microphones as well as tour guide, intercom and induction loop systems for the installed sound market," says Clabots.
ISE 2010 in Amsterdam saw two further brands increase the M-Pro territory and portfolio. It had previously distributed Mipro in BeLux and announced that the Netherlands was to be added from 1 February. "Mipro is a key brand for us", says Clabots. "Not only substantial in turnover but covering so many markets sectors. Expanding our territory to include the Netherlands was therefore an important step in growth, allowing the brand to continue to be operated cost-effectively and with the highest level of support."
Prior to ISE, the automation specialist brand, Control4, had operated separate distribution in BeNeLux, with co-operation by Clabots. As from 1 February Control4, Card Access and Global Caché became fully distributed by M-Pro.
With the increase in brands and territory, M-Pro has made two new staff appointments for sales and support. Bart Claes has been appointed product manager (BeNeLux) to provide technical and system support and product training. He has many years experience in pro audio and AV distribution and technical support.
Kristof Broux joins M-Pro to handle sales to pro-audio dealers and installers throughout Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Prior to joining M-Pro he worked in distribution for a leading loudspeaker company.
(Jim Evans)
