Ashdown Engineering Team Establishes Algam Ashdown in the United Kingdom
Following a decades-long friendship with the Garnier family, the team behind amplification specialists Ashdown Engineering has established Algam Ashdown, the British arm of the highly successful pan-European music products and event technology distribution company.
Along with Ashdown Engineering, UK dealers will now have access to a full range of Algam brands, including Lâg guitars, currently the best-selling acoustic guitar line in France, as well as SML Paris, renowned for its wind instruments, Pleyel Home Audio, Pleyel Pianos, Yellow Cable & Parts, and Tobago gig bags.
Starting in September 2024, Algam Ashdown will be headed by Dan Gooday as Managing Director, with Chris Bates leading sales and new sales appointments on the road in the north and south of the country. They will be supported by Joe Branton and Georgina Tanswell-Lowe in the office, forming a team familiar to current Ashdown UK customers. Mark Gooday will serve as Founder, with Benjamin Garnier from Algam in France also on the board.
In addition to the music brands, the UK team is excited to develop new markets for Algam’s innovative range of lighting products “Algam Lighting”, beginning with a booth at the PLASA Show in London this September.
“Alongside Ashdown Engineering, Algam Ashdown provides a great opportunity to diversify and develop our offering in the UK market,” comments Dan Gooday. “The fantastic product lines in the Algam portfolio deserve proper representation here, with the same high values and support levels we apply to Ashdown distribution. Having known the Garnier family for most of my working life, it also represents an opportunity to work alongside some great people and build something special together.”
Speaking on behalf of Algam, President Gérard Garnier says, “LET’S FLY HIGHER TOGETHER! Time has been running since the old days of Trace Elliot when Mark and I enjoyed a very pleasant relationship in France. Finally, the time has come to work together again.
“But this time on a much more serious basis: we are both lucky to have our sons, Dan Gooday and Benjamin Garnier, to give us a great future in the UK, by mixing distribution and manufacturing. Ashdown has got beautiful wings; there was just a need for a great engine to fly higher!
“Algam, with its pan-European organization, 600 employees, and 250 million euros turnover, will certainly be that engine.”
Algam Ashdown will be located at Ashdown’s premises in Heybridge, Essex.
ALGAM GROUP: A BEAUTIFUL STORY!
Forget about investment banking: simply gather passionate entrepreneurs under the Algam flag, and you’ll transform the French leader in musical instruments, audio, video, and lighting distribution into an international group distributing more than 200 brands throughout Europe, China, and soon the USA in 2025.
With two key objectives in mind—being the perfect ambassador for the brands we distribute and providing the best service to our customers—Algam Group continues to thrive.
Having started as a manufacturer in 1971, manufacturing remains a core part of our identity. Our factory workers are integral to our success, and we take great pride in our proprietary brands, including Ashdown Engineering, Lâg and Eko guitars, Quiklok stands, Algam lighting, and Pleyel pianos, to name just a few.
With a turnover of 250 million euros and 600 employees, Algam Group is now perfectly positioned to provide top-tier service to our customers. This includes efficient logistics with fast deliveries, creative marketing, and passionate brand ambassadors.
Gérard Garnier, founder of Algam, is fortunate to have his son Benjamin taking over the business with great professionalism. This seamless transition is mirrored in many of our subsidiaries, allowing the company to look to the future with optimism in an increasingly challenging world.
The post Ashdown Engineering Team Establishes Algam Ashdown in the United Kingdom appeared first on Music Instrument News.
Source: musicinstrumentnews.co.uk
