Hess AG transfers exclusive representation rights to Thorn UK & Ireland
Hess AG and Thorn Lighting, a company of the Austrian Zumtobel Group, have reached an agreement to cooperate more closely in the future. As of 10th October 2011, Thorn possesses the exclusive rights to market the Hess brand in UK & Ireland, including Hess’ entire outdoor lighting and site furnishing ranges.
Hess and Thorn launched their new partnership at this year’s LuxLive exhibition in London in November.Paul Coggins, managing director of Thorn UK & Ireland, said, ‘The exclusive partnership with Hess widens our product offer to consultants, architects, local authorities and landscape architects. We’re making a significant effort to re-establish ourselves in outdoor products and the addition of the Hess portfolio ensures that Thorn is back in outdoor, from functional street lighting to high end specification. In fact Hess’ high quality decorative lighting and premium site furnishings are the perfect complement to Thorn’s product portfolio. It’s a partnership which will make us unique in the UK market.’
Christoph Hess, CEO of the Hess Group, explained, ‘I expect the cooperation to improve Hess’ presence significantly in the UK, where Thorn enjoys an excellent reputation and has an extensive sales network that provides municipalities with functional and technical outdoor lighting. This access to the market represents an excellent opportunity.’
The UK Hess team will be integrated into the Thorn business, enabling it to contribute its expertise and contacts, whilst the Thorn sales force will also be responsible for Hess products, after extensive product training over at Hess HQ in Germany.
Both Thorn and Hess expect steadily increasing growth in the UK & Ireland market. Besides the strong sales organisation and comprehensive product portfolio, the innovative LED solutions for street and architectural lighting are certain to play a significant role in the growth.
Thorn and Hess have successfully cooperated for two years in Germany, where Hess’ subsidiary Vulkan markets Thorn’s complete outdoor lighting range and Thorn France launched it’s partnership with Hess at Lumiville this year.
