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7-8/2009
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Download:Focusing on exports (PDF file)
Shortly after setting up the company, proprietor Olivier Janssens moved it from his native country Belgium to the Czech Republic, where Cat-Gato now operates from production facilities covering an area of over 20 000 m2 in Lutin, Moravia. The company started out as a manufacturer of scratching posts for cats, but has long since expanded its range to cover several segments. This was due to the declining price of scratching posts, caused by many manufacturers relocating their entire production process to China in the last few years. It is only since production costs have risen even in China that the demand has been rekindled for scratching posts made in Europe, a trend that Cat-Gato is benefiting from to a considerable extent. The fact that the company continues to be highly successful in this product group is also due to the extensive breadth and depth of its range.
The principal sales driver for the Czech company now, however, is aquariums and terrariums, which are offered in virtually all sizes and shapes. Aquarium equipment and furniture are also included in the product spectrum. All aquarium covers are TÜV-certified and are especially sturdy and hard-wearing, thanks to special technology.
Other products manufactured include leather goods, beds and cushions for pets and a limited range of plastic products, including cages and aviaries for birds, houses and enclosures for small mammals and cat toilets. In addition to the firm’s own brands “Cat-Gato” (for scratching posts) and “Pacific” (for aquariums), private label products play a major role in the sales of scratching posts, textile products and aquariums.
Strong export quota
Cat-Gato sells just 7 per cent of its products in the Czech Republic; its exports in Europe are far more important financially to the company. Its main customers are Germany, France, England, Switzerland and the Benelux states. The products are distributed via the wholesale trade to pet stores or directly to speciality chains, and the company has a deliberate policy of not supplying supermarkets.
Cat-Gato’s aim is to offer customers high-quality products at competitive prices, and so it works on improving its quality system continuously in all stages of production.
The company, which currently employs around 150 staff, doesn’t attend trade fairs as a rule. It exhibits every two years at the leading Interzoo show in Nuremberg, however, and this will be the case in 2010 also.
Shortly after setting up the company, proprietor Olivier Janssens moved it from his native country Belgium to the Czech Republic, where Cat-Gato now operates from production facilities covering an area of over 20 000 m2 in Lutin, Moravia. The company started out as a manufacturer of scratching posts for cats, but has long since expanded its range to cover several segments. This was due to the declining price of scratching posts, caused by many manufacturers relocating their entire production process to China in the last few years. It is only since production costs have risen even in China that the demand has been rekindled for scratching posts made in Europe, a trend that Cat-Gato is benefiting from to a considerable extent. The fact that the company continues to be highly successful in this product group is also due to the extensive breadth and depth of its range.
The principal sales driver for the Czech company now, however, is aquariums and terrariums, which are offered in virtually all sizes and shapes. Aquarium equipment and furniture are also included in the product spectrum. All aquarium covers are TÜV-certified and are especially sturdy and hard-wearing, thanks to special technology.
Other products manufactured include leather goods, beds and cushions for pets and a limited range of plastic products, including cages and aviaries for birds, houses and enclosures for small mammals and cat toilets. In addition to the firm’s own brands “Cat-Gato” (for scratching posts) and “Pacific” (for aquariums), private label products play a major role in the sales of scratching posts, textile products and aquariums.
Strong export quota
Cat-Gato sells just 7 per cent of its products in the Czech Republic; its exports in Europe are far more important financially to the company. Its main customers are Germany, France, England, Switzerland and the Benelux states. The products are distributed via the wholesale trade to pet stores or directly to speciality chains, and the company has a deliberate policy of not supplying supermarkets.
Cat-Gato’s aim is to offer customers high-quality products at competitive prices, and so it works on improving its quality system continuously in all stages of production.
The company, which currently employs around 150 staff, doesn’t attend trade fairs as a rule. It exhibits every two years at the leading Interzoo show in Nuremberg, however, and this will be the case in 2010 also.
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