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Company news·13 Dec 2024
Company news
5 Dec 2024
UF PRO Expands into the US: Insights from Managing Director Jože Kastelic
KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (05.12.2024)
UF PRO, a leader in premium tactical clothing, has unveiled its ambitious expansion strategy targeting the United States—the largest tactical clothing market in the world.
Over the years, UF PRO has built a strong foundation in Europe, earning a reputation as a premium provider of innovative, high-quality products. Expanding into the US is a natural progression, further supported by the company’s existing relationships with key US agencies, including over 300 SWAT units, police departments, the DEA, NASA laboratories, and numerous individual customers.
To gain further insight into this expansion and its strategic importance, we spoke with Jože Kastelic, Managing Director of UF PRO.
A Localised Approach to US Expansion
One of the key drivers of UF PRO’s success in the US will be the company’s new local team, established through UF PRO USA Inc., with operating office located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Having a local team is crucial,” explained Kastelic. “It allows us to be closer to our US customers and to provide a more personalised experience. We can respond more quickly, and we understand their specific needs better.”
"This is not just about market entry; it’s about embedding ourselves into the American tactical clothing landscape for the long term."
This expansion aims to further elevate UF PRO’s presence in the US while maintaining the high standards of quality and customer service that have made the company a trusted name in Europe.
“We’re committed to ensuring that we maintain the same level of excellence that our customers expect from us,” Kastelic said. “The new team will allow us to respond faster and tailor our approach to the needs of the American market.”
Navigating the Competitive US Tactical Clothing Landscape
While UF PRO is not new to the US market, the direct entry presents unique challenges. “The US market is highly competitive, with well-established domestic brands and varying regional requirements,” said Kastelic. “We understand these challenges, and that’s why we’re focusing on expanding our brand awareness while leveraging the existing relationships we’ve built with police units, SWAT teams, and other specialised agencies.”
UF PRO’s core philosophy has always been to listen closely to customer feedback and solve real-world problems through superior product design.
“We differentiate ourselves through our focus on functional, high-performance clothing that’s tailored to the needs of smaller units and specialised teams. It’s about solving specific challenges with thoughtful design and excellent after-sales support.”
A Global Strategy with a Local Focus
Kastelic also highlighted the broader vision for UF PRO’s place in the global market.
“Our goal is to solidify our position as the premier choice for tactical clothing, not only in the US but globally."
“We are focused on excelling across all channels—B2G, B2B, and B2C—so that we can meet the diverse needs of military, law enforcement, businesses, and individual professionals,” he said.
The company’s multi-channel strategy, which combines direct-to-consumer sales with strong strategic partnerships, is designed to ensure global reach while maintaining the personalised service that UF PRO is known for.
“We want to be everywhere our customers are,” said Kastelic. “Whether it’s a government agency, a small specialised unit, or an individual operator, our goal is to provide tailored solutions for every need.”
Building Long-Term Relationships
UF PRO’s expansion into the US isn’t just about sales; it’s about building lasting relationships with customers.
“We’re committed to long-term growth, and that means focusing on customer engagement and satisfaction,” Kastelic said. “By strengthening our local presence and maintaining the quality and performance that we’re known for, we aim to build lasting relationships with our US customers and continue innovating based on their feedback.”
In addition to establishing a local team, UF PRO is also committed to attending key events and trade shows in the US, such as the SHOT Show, as well as specialised events and competitions.
“These events are vital for building relationships, gathering feedback, and showcasing our products,” Kastelic said. “We’ll use these platforms to engage directly with our customers and strengthen our presence in the US.”
Shaping the Future
UF PRO’s expansion into the US is a key step in solidifying its position as a leading provider of tactical clothing.
With a dedicated local team and a focus on building long-term relationships, the company aims to meet the specific needs of the American market.
By continuing to innovate and deliver high-performance products, UF PRO is set for sustained growth and a stronger foothold in the US.
Discover more about UF PRO by visiting their website.
Press Release
EN_Press-Release_UF-PROs-Strategic-Expansion.docx
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Company news·28 Nov 2024