FOP an international company

FOP Spa is an examplee of a family-owned company operating under the philosophies of a large firm, one which exports 80% of its production of cages, carriers and various accessories for pets to nearly 40 countries around the world.

Due to this high level of export, all of the activities of this company from Lonigo, Vicenza such as production, sales, and marketing are all geared to an international level.

Because the company is so focused o innovation, any and all new ideas are taken seriously.

Over the last several years, with a staff of 72, they have increased the production, implemented new innovative procedures and, most importantly, have introduced new advanced technologies.

New Technologies

In this sector, as in most sectors, a company must be aware of the value of new technologies and innovation. With this in mind, FOP implemented a new software solution in combination with new machinery, enabling it to produce more efficiently, to track the production process and to improve quality control. Thanks to these measures, they have been able to increase production dramatically.

In addition, a new department for plastic moulding will be opened before the summer of 2004 in a new 3000-square-metre building. The new plastic moulding machinery will contribute to a further improvement in the quality of the products.

High Technologies

In the cage and general pet accessories sector, as in other business areas, most of the necessary investments must be made in new technologies.

During 2003, they also introduced new software for optimizing the warehouse organization. Due to the implementation of this software, they are able to perform just-in-time deliveries, keep lower stock levels and avoid incidences of human error.

Cages And Carriers For Each Animal

FOP produces cages, carriers and a series of other accessories for type of pet: dogs, cats small animals and birds, but also turtles and fishes. Every new product will be tested to ensure that the product will contribute as much as possible to the animal's comfort and wellness.

The range of products is wide in terms of the colours and models available; this applies in particular to the line of cages: more than 90 different models of cages in 5 colour varieties are included in the catalogue.

The design and the choice of models in the range are quite specific: a mix of quality and fantasy, with a final original brightly coloured range of products which differentiate themselves from those offered by the competition.

The application of creativeity and technology to the field of plastics has allowed them to realize the production of articles that link materials made using new technologies to new needs on the part of customers.

The originality of the cages is particularly evident in the small animal cages; for example, these have the most accessories available in order to satisfy an increasing market demand and to predict new trends in the market. Anticipating but also responding to demand from the market, FOP has developed new lines of products to meet the needs of every class of pet.

The will introduce a first new line of products during the Interzoo exhibition in May.

Services

A problem facing many companies is how to deliver products to clients in time: in this case, the company's well-organised structure permits it to deliver some orders the nest day, or at the very latest, in one week.

They has made this a priority as it feels customers must be able to receive their orders as soon as possible after they place them.

To be able to ship products when customers order the is a very important goal for companies in many sectors, the pet sector being no exception.

Customer Satisfation

To strengthen relationships with customers is a priority for them.

The company considers its two duties to be to offer good servicee and to fulfil orders when possible.

In addition, in early 2004 the company introduced several special offers for customers. One example of a special offer they run often is a "buy 10, get one free" promotion.

Foreign Markets

FOP is able to satisfy the requests and needs of the market in each country in which it sells its products thanks to a specific focus on the development or the market, sales statistics and market data.

In this way, the company is able to learn more about the demand for its products in each country.

Target

The company's aim is to increase foreign sales, mostly those to specific European countries.

FOP sells in different countries within Europe, and hopes to improve sales in this area, particularly in France and the U.K., two countries where there is promising opportunities for growth in the pet sector, especially in the accessories segment.

After having performed market studies of the U.K. and France, where their products are already sold, the company has learned where its opportunities for growth lie, and can profit from these by working with local partners in these markets.

Quality

All of the staff at FOP works hard, focusing on the quality of the products and service to the customers, throughout the company, but also within the Marketing and Research & Development departments, in order to forecast new trends in the market.

The new Quality Control system reduces production errors, and the well-organised management of the warehouse allows the company to always have a large range of articles in stock available to meet customer demand. Thanks to its professionalism and the high quality of its products, the FOP family organization has gained the complete trust of its customers.

Sources:PETS International Magazine