The growing popularity of paint ball activities in the UK has presented a new business opportunity for specialist logistics company Import Services following a new agreement with International toy manufacturer Tech Group.

Recently acquired by Cybergun SA of France, Exeter based Tech Group is expecting to double its business globally and with the UK in particular focus to grow the volume of low impact paintball products to a range of major toy retailers, e-commerce and sports shops.

The Tech range includes SupaSplat, which has been a hit in the US and the Inflatable Paintball Shooting Range due to be launched UK wide this September.

The firm has also developed a new chalk dust tag product, Wipe Out which was shown at the recent Hong Kong and Nuremberg Toy Shows.

This surge in volume has led to the new arrangement with Import Services which has three multi-user distribution centres comprising 270,000 sq ft within close proximity to Southampton’s container terminal.

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“We have been in the UK for eight years but now as a division of Cybergun SA of France, we are very well placed to capitalise on the opportunities the UK market offers,” said Tech Group managing director John Lewis.

“This meant we needed a major UK distribution facility because our Exeter warehouse would not cope with the level of growth planned over the next three years. Our products are imported principally from the Far East to Southampton; therefore we are keen to work with a company offering Portcentric logistics via Southampton Container Port.

“Import Services has an excellent record in UK retail distribution, especially to the toy and gift sector. Equally important, they have the capability and flexibility to work with us as we expand. It is an exciting time for all of us,” said John Lewis.

“We are delighted to provide logistical support for Tech Group’s UK expansion,” said Mike Thomas client services director.

“Working with some of the key players in the toy and gift industry such as Toymaster, Flair, Carte Blanche, Winning Moves and Hallmark is a key factor in the selection process. Our Clients trust us with their logistics because we are safe hands with retail distribution knowledge and robust on-line systems.”