Martin enters into joint venture in Japan

Martin Professional has entered into an agreement with Chako and Hiroshi Yoshida, longtime distributors of automated lighting in Japan, to establish a joint company, Martin Professional Japan Ltd. The joint venture is a collaboration between Martin and majority owners Mr. and Mrs. Yoshida, who have 20 years of experience in the lighting industry.

The newly established company, located in Tokyo and consisting of eight employees, will handle distribution and service of Martin, Jem, and Mach products throughout the country. The establishment of a single professional distributor in Japan, which had previously been covered through three separate companies, is a major step in Martin's goal of increasing focus on the Asian market.

For years, Martin has maintained a business association with distributors MediaFace and Matsushita. Martin aims to build this relationship with newly established Martin Professional Japan Ltd. In order to demonstrate Martin's commitment to the Japanese market, Martin Professional president and CEO Kristian Kolding has assumed the position of chairman of the new company. Other board members include Mr. and Mrs. Yoshida and Martin's area sales manager Jonas Eisenhardt.

The official opening of the new company is expected sometime in February with the participation of Kolding and international marketing director Pio Nahum.