SRI Sports Ltd will start building a new golf ball production factory in Indonesia in 2011 to keep up with the growing demand for its golf balls around the world.
The new plant will be Srixon’s third production facility and is being built alongside the company’s existing ball plant in Cikampek, Indonesia. SRI Sports Ltd also has its main golf ball production factory in Japan.
The expansion is a sign of Srixon’s continuing worldwide success. In the last 12 months the company has experienced a phenomenal growth in its golf ball business, with a 15.3% increase in ball sales* in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year, amounting to over £53 million of business.
The signing of teen tour sensation Ryo Ishikawa at start of 2010 to play the Srixon ball has undoubtedly contributed to the brand’s success on home soil in Japan, where its balls enjoy a top-class market share of 30%.
At just 18 years old Ishikawa is one of the true stars of the future. His achievements this year include breaking the record for the lowest score ever carded on Tour with a phenomenal round of 12-under-par 58 in the Crowns tournament in Nagoya in May. Ishikawa also currently leads the JGTO Order of Merit.
Ishikawa’s victory is one of 32 wins for Srixon balls on Tour this year. Srixon staff players Miguel Angel Jimenez, Tim Clark, Robert Allenby, Jim Furyk and Laura Davies have also contributed to this tally.
Tour success, alongside the incredible performance of the balls, has also boosted sales in the UK market, where Srixon enjoys a 23% share** of the golf ball business. Their AD333 is the number one selling two-piece ball in the market and Srixon is also the number one selling two-piece ball brand.
By expanding its golf ball capacity Srixon hopes to be able to increase its market share in the world’s biggest golf market – the USA, as well as being able to service demand in the fastest growing market – China.
The new Srixon golf ball production plant is due for completion in July 2012.
Srixon products www.srixon.co.uk
Sources:
* Golf Industry White paper of Yano Research Institute Ltd
** IFM Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd