Glenmuir, one of Europe’s leading golf apparel brands, has 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 1 January 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 1 January 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 UK(1).
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.”
Sunderland customers will be individually made aware of any administrative changes required under the revised organisation.
Around nine jobs will be lost from Sunderland of Scotland’s Selkirk offices, although Glenmuir will be recruiting to strengthen its Lanark operation as a result of the distribution agreement.
Added Colin Mee: “We are looking to recruit, as we will be taking on direct fulfilment out of Lanark, but I appreciate this is little consolation to those losing their jobs in Selkirk.
“This agreement safeguards the integrity, heritage and future of a great Scottish golf brand, keeps it in Scotland and gives it a great platform for growth and success.”
Glenmuir is a brand right at the heart of golf. Preferred supplier to the European Ryder Cup Team for 23 years, it also enjoys partnerships with the PGAs of Europe, The PGA, The European Tour and The Open Championship. Glenmuir is official clothing supplier to the Golf Foundation, Ryder Cup Wales 2010 and The Golf Union of Wales.
The Ruia Group acquired Glenmuir in 2002. The Ruia Group is a focused family-run textile business based in Lancashire with two distinct divisions in the household textile sector and the sock and hosiery market.
Sunderland was founded in 1911 as a clothing company and began making golf apparel in 1932. Sunderland of Scotland as a pure golf brand was started by P.T (Toby) Sunderland in 1964. Selected over the years for Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup teams, Sunderland epitomises quality and playability, ensuring end users of lasting wear and reliability.
(1) Source: Sports Marketing Surveys 2007
Glenmuir www.glenmuir.co.uk
Sunderland of Scotland www.sunderlandgolf.com