ACR Electronics signs distribution deal with Elna for German expansion
Kris Nieuwenhuis, Manager North European Markets at Ocean Signal (left), Leif Schick, Managing Director of Elna (right).
Leading development center for emergency beacons, safety and survival technology, ACR Electronics, has formed a distribution partnership with Elna and its leisure marine trading brand, Ferropilot.
The strategic collaboration will further ACR’s presence and product availability throughout Germany.
As a well-established distributor representing other premium brands such as Blue Sea Systems and Cobham Sailor, Elna and Ferropilot bring extensive industry knowledge and an established customer base.
Elna is recognised as a reliable brand and highly trusted throughout the industry. By leveraging Elna’s well-established distribution network and industry expertise, ACR is hoping to extend its reach and ensure the German maritime market – both leisure and commercial – will have broader access to its high-quality safety equipment.
The distributors will have access to ACR’s entire range of innovative solutions, including the newly launched ResQFlare Pro electronic distress light, the highly acclaimed GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB, and the advanced ResQLink AIS Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
“Germany is one of the most important maritime markets in Europe and this partnership with ELNA and Ferropilot represents a tremendous opportunity for ACR Electronics,” says Bob Pro, vice president of sales at ACR Electronics.
“Their exceptional reputation and industry expertise aligns perfectly with our commitment to safety innovation, combined with their knowledge of the German maritime market, they are the ideal partner to represent the ACR brand and help us grow within the German region.”
For Elna, the addition of ACR’s products to its portfolio strengthens its offering of premium safety and navigation equipment.
“We are proud to be ACR’s new distribution partner in Germany. ACR is a perfect fit, and our team is looking forward to promoting their renowned products and strengthening their position as a leading safety brand in Germany,” says Leif Schick, managing director of Elna.
Germany’s maritime industry is a cornerstone of its economy, with approximately 2,800 maritime companies providing over 450,000 jobs. Driven by strict safety regulations and a strong commercial maritime sector, the country represents a significant market for maritime safety equipment in Europe. In 2023, the AIS segment dominated the safety equipment market, while the commercial sector accounted for 84 per cent market share, highlighting the industry’s focus on compliance and risk mitigation.
As demand for high-quality emergency beacons, personal locator devices, and other survival products continues to grow, both parties say this partnership will ensure that both recreational and commercial maritime customers receive exceptional service, support, and product availability.
