As it continues to grow, the young Finnish-based company, specializing in Nordic fitness poles, has taken on board another former Exel executive, Harald Bierbaumer, who helped to introduce Exel’s Nordic walking concepts in Germany and Austria, running its German subsidiary for 15 years.
Bierbaumer, one of the casualties of a recent streamlining of Exel’s operations, will be responsible for the Central European sales organization of One Way Sport, concentrating on cooperation with key accounts. He will also handle sales and marketing of One Way Sport poles in Austria through his own agency in that country. Dirk Peiniger will remain as German sales manager.
In spite of the very poor winter season just passed, One Way Sport managed to raise its revenues by 18 percent during the first three months of this year. At the same time, pre-orders for Winter 2008 have increased by 28 percent overall, with gains of 41 percent in Scandinavia, 25 percent in North America and 20 percent in Japan.
Some of the growth may be attributed to the opening of new export markets for in Italy, North America and Japan as of this year. The company continues to invest heavily in Nordic sports concepts and new products. A new floorball carbon range will be out in the stores from the beginning of August. A new apparel line for Nordic sports have been introduced at more than 20 retail stores in Finland.
