eFOLDi expands into Germany by partnering with powerchair specialist Elchtec
Portable mobility specialist eFOLDi has announced that it has partnered with Elchtec, a prominent distributor of mobility equipment in Germany.
The commercial arrangement focuses on its popular ‘Power Chair’ model and will provide eFOLDi with invaluable access to the world’s second largest healthcare market.
Elchtec, which has its headquarters in Lindlar about 30 kilometres east of Cologne, prides itself on being a specialist in powered wheelchairs within the German market. The business distributes a broad portfolio of mobility products through a network of local resellers across Germany. The Elchtec business was first established as the exclusive local distributor for the Swedish-made Volaris rollator range, but it has since broadened its portfolio into many other complementary products, following a change in ownership structure and launch of the Elchtec company brand.
Michael Schmitz, Managing Director, for Elchtec, commented, “When we were undertaking our research into the market for folding wheelchair brands, eFOLDi really stood out for us, as their products had some very unique selling features. In Germany, the vast majority of folding wheelchairs will weigh over 30kg, so they can often be very difficult to handle for just one person.
“The eFOLDi Power Chair, in comparison, is extremely lightweight, very compact and incredibly versatile. It offers our customers something very special, and it also complements our existing range of mobility products so it’s a really good fit for us. The Power Chair model represents an attractive solution for German consumers, and it will undoubtedly offer enhanced levels of independence, especially for the more active traveller.
“It means customers are willing to fund the purchase, either through their health insurance or by directly financing it themselves, and we see this as a ‘game-changer’. The reaction, so far, has been 100% positive in the German market.”
“We have worked closely with Tim Ross and the rest of the eFOLDi team and have started to build a solid foundation for our partnership in quite a short space of time. The eFOLDi team is always very responsive, and their support levels are excellent, so we would certainly recommend them to potential distributors in other countries looking for compact, ultra-portable mobility products.”
Tim Ross, National Sales Manager at eFOLDi commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with a company like Elchtec. The business has a very strong reputation in their local market and Michael Schmitz and his team come with a great deal of experience within the mobility sector, not just in powered wheelchairs but in other product areas too.
“Elchtec and eFOLDi collaborated at this years’ Rehacare event in Dusseldorf, Germany, and it turned out to be a huge success for both parties. So, we look forward to supporting Michael and his team over the coming months and helping them grow their business.”
eFOLDi continues to develop its network of authorised distributor partners overseas so is always keen to hear from interested parties. The firm has been busy developing its network of authorised international distributor partners following a comprehensive refocus in its trade operation and it has already expanded into new export markets in Italy, Denmark and Israel.
