Castellano opens European office, restructures U.S. operation
April 11, 2003
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - The South African trimmings manufacturer Castellano Beltrame Inc. is planning a European facility. Located in Como, Italy, the office and showroom will open in time to receive visitors attending Proposte (7-9 May, Como, Italy).
Dr. Guido Trani, vice president of sales, Europe, will run the office.
Castellano Beltrame USA Inc. has imported Mark Buytenhuys from the company's headquarters in East London. Buytenhuys, who has been with the company for 14 years, has been appointed vice president of sales. Previously, he was responsible for sales to Australia, New Zealand, Southern Europe and South America. In the new position, he reports to Ian Heunis, CEO of the company's American operations and export and marketing director.
The company's U.S. hardware and trimmings business is the company's fastest growing market, according to Heunis.
The move also marks the beginning of a new strategy for delivering service to South American market. ''We've always tried to service South America from South Africa,'' said Heunis. ''Now South America is the responsibility of the U.S. office. We can do a better job from the U.S. Mark will expand Castellano Beltrame's business into different markets. Until now, we have only worked with major distributors. Now, we will service manufacturers.''
Meanwhile Castellano Beltrame USA is marketing a new hardware line under the Filitex brand. ''The company has been selling hardware for three years and now accounts for 20 percent of the overall sales,'' said Heunis.
Filitex is the stocking distributor of the hardware line in Deerfield Beach.
Heunis said he is looking for U.S. distributors of its high end pillow program under the 'Casa Nobile' brand.
Dr. Guido Trani, vice president of sales, Europe, will run the office.
Castellano Beltrame USA Inc. has imported Mark Buytenhuys from the company's headquarters in East London. Buytenhuys, who has been with the company for 14 years, has been appointed vice president of sales. Previously, he was responsible for sales to Australia, New Zealand, Southern Europe and South America. In the new position, he reports to Ian Heunis, CEO of the company's American operations and export and marketing director.
The company's U.S. hardware and trimmings business is the company's fastest growing market, according to Heunis.
The move also marks the beginning of a new strategy for delivering service to South American market. ''We've always tried to service South America from South Africa,'' said Heunis. ''Now South America is the responsibility of the U.S. office. We can do a better job from the U.S. Mark will expand Castellano Beltrame's business into different markets. Until now, we have only worked with major distributors. Now, we will service manufacturers.''
Meanwhile Castellano Beltrame USA is marketing a new hardware line under the Filitex brand. ''The company has been selling hardware for three years and now accounts for 20 percent of the overall sales,'' said Heunis.
Filitex is the stocking distributor of the hardware line in Deerfield Beach.
Heunis said he is looking for U.S. distributors of its high end pillow program under the 'Casa Nobile' brand.
