In the immediate wake of EAW announcing its partnership with Republik Pro AVL as distributor for Turkey, Martin Audio has also appointed Istanbul-based operation as its own.
Set up earlier this year, founder Kemal ‘Kal’ Yener says that the aim of Republik is to bring ‘real, brand-focused distribution’ back to the Turkish pro audio market: ‘We work only as a distributor, there is no integration arm, so our partners know we don’t compete with them on projects.’
The company already represents several high-premium pro audio brands, Martin Audio being the latest addition to an impressive stable, initially driven by Yener’s long relationship with David McKinney from Generation AV in Singapore.
‘I liked the direction Generation AV was taking with the Focusrite team,’ he says. ‘At the same time, we had progressive talks with the Martin Audio team, especially Andy Duffield and Bradley Watson, whose clear and fast communication made everything easy. So it grew naturally from trust on both sides.’
The Republik co-founder was also well aware of Martin Audio’s long history and strong global reputation, but at the same time he acknowledged that while the brand was well respected it was not always well represented.
‘Engineers knew the sound, but inconsistent distribution meant limited stock and support. We see a lot of room to rebuild that confidence, and their wide product range fits our plans perfectly. Our existing portfolio already complements Martin Audio in both installations and live sound, creating complete solutions from microphone to loudspeaker.’
The live market in Turkey has bounced back since the Covid pandemic, he says, and Martin Audio have suitable products for all applications. ‘Festivals and municipal concerts are strong again – and hospitality is booming with bars, beach clubs and rooftops asking for premium sound. Corporate installations are also steady, and theatres are getting new budgets. Still, Turkey has its political and economic bumps: currency swings, changing import rules and times of uncertainty. But the demand for quality audio keeps growing.’
The Republik Pro AVL engineering/tech team has already undertaken factory training in High Wycombe and is working through the online certifications for Display 3, VU-Net and iKon amplifiers. In addition, the company is putting all assets on a modern digital base – an ERP-linked B2B portal with live stock and pricing, plus strong demo inventory, training and after-sales service ‘to raise the game for integrators and rental companies’.
Republik will run focused training and building a strong social presence as well as rolling out a B2B e-commerce platform to make ordering and support simple.
‘Bringing Martin Audio back to full strength in Turkey is both a challenge and a privilege,’ Yener says. ‘We’re building a truly independent, service-driven distribution model and I can’t wait for audiences here to experience that unmistakable Martin Audio sound.’
‘Republik Pro AVL offers a fresh perspective on pro audio distribution in the Turkish market,’ says Martin Audio EMEA Account Manager, Andy Duffield. ‘Focused on and implementing a pure distribution model across all vertical markets – from live touring and events to fixed installs, from infrastructure projects to smaller scale installations –- they impressed me with their broad market approach and clear commitment to maximising Martin Audio’s strongest ever line up.
‘I very much look forward to working with Kal and the team, and am confident that, with their support and expertise; great things lie ahead for the brand in Turkey.’
More: https://martin-audio.com