The expansion of Bata Industrials’ dealer network is not limited to Europe alone. The number of representatives is also increasing outside of Europe. The partnership with PDS International, a company operating out of Singapore, is in that regard the newest weapon in Bata Industrials’ arsenal for putting itself on the map in Southeast Asia.

Founded in 1993, PDS International focuses on the sales of a variety of safety products. Their primary emphasis is on protective eyewear. However, when it comes to products with industrial, environmental and health applications, the company also has a variety of items on offer. This also applies to personal protection devices, a range which Bata Industrials’ safety shoes have also become a part of recently. Just like all of PDS’ other safety products, this line is also being sold throughout Southeast Asia. PDS International has sales offices in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. In addition to a showroom, each office also has its own sales team which maintains contact with major customers. PDS also works closely with distributors in the Philippines and Vietnam which supply products directly to customers. PDS has plans to also set up sales offices in both of these countries during the course of 2009 and 2010.

Strict demands
The partnership contract between Bata Industrials and PDS International was signed in November 2008 during the Expoprotection exhibition in Paris. This was the final step in a time-consuming project. This lengthy procedure was due primarily to the fact that in order to prevent counterfeit products from entering the country, Singapore imposes strict standards when it comes to the authenticity of products sold there. Since these standards deviate considerably from the requirements implemented in Europe, Bata Industrials also had to test its safety shoes in accordance with the regulations applicable in Singapore for features such as slip resistance, among others. Bata’s products more than satisfied these strict requirements.


    Photo: Signing the partnership agreement during the Expoprotection exhibition

Collection
Bata Industrials developed several models of safety shoes especially for PDS International's market area. In total, PDS will supply sixteen models from the Spirit, WorkMates and SportMates collections to retailers (chiefly hardware stores) as well as businesses active in industries such as the electronics, chemicals, oil refinery, harbour, construction and logistics sectors. These customers purchase Bata Industrials’ safety shoes for their high quality, numerous features, amazing comfort and the unique design.