Jalandhar sports firm to export to Ireland

Company plans to manufacture hurley sticks and balls

As part of its diversification plan, Jalandhar-based Aresson International Private Ltd, a sport goods manufacturer under the brand name "Aresson", is all set to make a presence in Ireland, because the company is planning to manufacture hurley sticks and balls (hurling is an outdoor team sport of Celtic origin, played with sticks and a ball. The game is played primarily in Ireland).

Also the company is planning to foray into manufacturing rounder's equipment (a popular game in England) and baseball bats.

The company manufactures cricket bats and other cricket equipment, boxing and martial arts equipment, etc.

Talking to Business Standard, Managing Director Raghunath S Rana said, "We will invest Rs 15-30 lakh in phases for manufacturing of hurling sticks, baseball bars and rounder's equipment. The need is to expand the product portfolio; moreover, there is immense demand for such sporting equipment in overseas markets. We are planning to upgrade the existing manufacturing technology, so that our products can match international standards and can compete globally. The first phase of the investment will be completed in six months."

Also, the company is thinking of using the polyurethane mould as a substitute of corkwood that is used in cricket balls. On R&D facilities, he said, "We have our own research and development department, which borrows ideas from sports professionals, sports companies, dealers, buyers, distributors, etc."

The turnover of the company in the last financial year was Rs 4 crore and it's expecting 10-15 per cent growth in this financial year.

Commenting on other plans, he said, "We are planning to appoint one wholesale distributor in every country."