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© 2013 Katadyn Products Inc. |
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 Editorial
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Dear Katadyn Friends
Just like many other people around the world, I am profoundly shocked by the most recent events in Japan and wish the population in the crisis area much strength for the coming days and weeks. Katadyn is doing everything to offer our partners on site the best possible support and to help the people affected. Safe drinking water supplies are a top priority after a disaster of this scope. Our Katadyn filters reliably eliminate bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae and other pathogens from water. However, they are not suitable for treating water that has been exposed to nuclear contamination. Though they are capable of retaining radioactive particles and adsorbing dissolved radioactive substances in their activated carbon, this exposes the filter itself to radioactive contamination and therefore poses a major health risk.
Unpredictability and massive destruction have prompted the population living in seismically exposed regions to review their emergency rations. This has led to higher demand for Emergency Food at Katadyn Germany. At Katadyn in Wallisellen, we are now adjusting our capacity to the demand for Pocket Filters. In the United States, orders have already been received for over 3,000 units. Natural disasters have always increased demand for our Ceramic Filters and Emergency Rations. But this time around, we expect the increase in demand to be more lasting. Therefore, please order early for covering your regular seasonal requirements, as we have to carefully plan and allocate our capacities and because somewhat longer delivery times must be expected.
Despite all the bad news, springtime has now arrived and I wish our partners and customers a successful start into the outdoor season and lots of fun enjoying the sunshine.
Trix Ammann
CEO
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Did you know? |
Optimus Nova/Nova+ stoves are back on the shelves
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In early October, Katadyn Products Inc. made a voluntary and limited recall of Optimus Nova and Optimus Nova+ Multifuel stoves. Since then, specialized dealerships worldwide have again been supplied with revised Nova and Nova+ stoves. Customers purchasing a new Optimus Nova or a Nova+ outdoor stove in a store can be sure to receive a product that performs perfectly and that satisfies the high safety and quality standards of the traditional Optimus brand. Production of the Optimus stove was transferred to a trustworthy and longtime supplier immediately after the defects had emerged.
The owners of stoves affected can still report to Katadyn Products Inc. in Switzerland. This is possible either by toll-free phone number +800 67 84 68 70 from Monday through Friday 8.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00 or using the registration form on the Optimus website at www.optimusstoves.com.
We apologize to everyone affected for any inconvenience that this has caused them and thank them very much for their assistance and the confidence they have shown us.
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Marketing & Events |
Boot Düsseldorf
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For the first time, Katadyn did not have its own booth at the Boot, which was held in Düsseldorf from January 22 – 30, 2011, but shared one with trading partners to present the Katadyn desalination systems. But a Katadyn advisor was always on site to reply to matters of a more technical nature. The international yacht and water sports community celebrated a great festival in Düsseldorf. Some 250,500 visitors from over 60 countries (10,300 more than last year) satisfied exhibitors at the Boot Düsseldorf 2011 and made for a pleasant atmosphere in the exhibition halls. During nine days, 1,571 exhibitors from 61 countries presented boat premieres, new water sports gear, boat equipment, and accessories in 17 halls in the world’s largest yacht and water sports trade show. Expectations were by far exceeded, and the economic upswing that was perceptible even before the trade fair grew appreciably stronger. The large number of interested visitors, who ordered and purchased wares in great volumes in some areas, is reason enough for the industry to face the coming water sport season with confidence.
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Internationales Yacht Forum Hamburg
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On February 12, 2011, the Chamber of Commerce in Hamburg brimmed with yachtsmen from Europe as well as overseas. It was undoubtedly a brilliant idea to treat them during lunchtime to Trek´n Eat rations so as to demonstrate the benefits of these freeze-dried meals: extremely light and nutritious and also easy to prepare. In only 30 minutes, the Trek´n Eat team had to cater to 300 persons. It turned out to be a successful premiere. With 21 speakers from Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, the 2nd International Yacht Forum in Hamburg offered a thrilling and – especially for regatta yacht owners – a very useful agenda. After all, the speakers presented the packed know-how of the international regatta scene. They talked about experiences from the Volvo Ocean Race and the America´s Cup as well as the ordinary regattas the world over.
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Reisen Hamburg
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Together with Globetrotter, Germany’s largest outdoor gear provider, Katadyn Germany displayed our products at the “Reisen” trade show in Hamburg on February 9 – 13, 2011. The Katadyn Show-Theke, which clearly visualized the operating principle of Katadyn water filters and Optimus stoves, was a great attraction again this year. Visitors to the trade fair also had the opportunity to try out our Trek´n Eat menus. These carefully composed creations met with great acceptance.
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Katadyn at the Transa Winter Festival
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Over the weekend of January 29 – 30, 2011, Switzerland’s largest outdoor gear provider TRANSA organized a Winter Festival for customers, the seventh so far. On Engstligenalp, an alpine pasture high above the Ski World Cup venue of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland, provided the perfect backdrop for a multitude of activities such as igloo-building, avalanche theory, snowshoe hiking, and fondue delights in the luxurious large-size igloo. As in past years, Katadyn was again part of the action, supplying Katadyn, Optimus, and Trek’n Eat brand products and treating the festival participants to warming mulled wine after a day’s work. You will find some vivid photos of the Transa Winter Festival here.
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Lauche & Maas Winter Meeting
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The Lauche & Maas Winter Meeting takes place every year at the end of January. This year, some 300 people met in the Bavarian Frankenwald region at sub-zero temperatures and heaps of snow to test a wide variety of products, set up winter bivouacs, tell stories, and celebrate. The conditions were excellent: some 40 centimeters of snow, freezing temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius during the night, blue sun-drenched skies on Saturday and Sunday, a terrific atmosphere, and tons of fun. Katadyn Germany supported the event with an Optimus stove test including Trek’n Eat menus to try out and staged a water filtering contest among the participants using Katadyn water treatment products.
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Millet Expedition Project 2011
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Katadyn France will be a partner in the Millet Expedition Project also in 2011, supporting the young adventurers by providing them with equipment and advice. The project was launched by the French company Millet, known for its high-mountain gear. In the project, young adventurers with ambitions in sports are supported and coached in putting their expedition plans to practice. Expedition teams wishing to take part were able to apply up to March 11. Following a pre-selection round, the expedition teams will be invited to present their undertakings on April 13 to the members of the Millet Expedition Project.
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Ueli Steck on the Annapurna
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After his successful SPEED lecture tour across Switzerland, Swiss extreme mountaineer and solo climber Ueli Steck flew to Nepal at the end of February. He will spend a short time recovering and acclimatizing until mid-April, after which he plans to set up a new record on the South Face of the Shisha Pangma (alt. 8013 m). Shisha Pangma was scaled for the first time in 1964 by a Chinese team who ascended through the North Face – the last peak to be climbed among the total of fourteen that are higher then eight thousand meters. Now Steck intends to tackle the wall in the alpine style, which means without fixed ropes, bearers, and previously installed high-altitude camps. Ever in quest of new personal challenges, Steck has more than once pushed his limits. In order to reach the summit of the Shisha Pangma, he must once again rely one hundred percent on his own skills. For food on his Annapurna expedition, Ueli Steck will take along freeze-dried Trek’n Eat expedition food. Thanks to the low weight of the rations, their easy preparation, and their low fuel consumption, Trek’n Eat meals are highly popular with numerous mountaineers and expeditions.
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Mactra with Katadyn official partner of the Global Ocean Race
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As is indicated by the name, the Global Ocean Race leads around the globe across some of the most inhospitable waters of our planet. Its covers 30,000 nautical miles from Mallorca to Cape Town and then onward to New Zealand. From New Zealand, the regatta continues across the Southern Ocean around the notorious Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America. The two final laps run from Punta del Este to Charleston and then back to Mallorca. The official start is scheduled for September 25, 2011, and the final lap from Charleston to Mallorca begins on May 20, 2012. Fresh water supplies are vital for the crews. Our U.K. distribution partner Mactra Marine Equipment has been appointed as the official partner for water treatment. The contestants taking part in the Global Ocean Race can purchase the Katadyn PowerSurvivor 40E desalinator through this partner, who offers them special terms. Mactra has accumulated longtime experience in installing and maintaining our desalinators. Their support in this area is greatly appreciated and frequently resorted to by numerous contestants. You will find more information on this compact and powerful desalinator on our website or that of Mactra.
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Markets & Customers |
Katadyn France now sells “Ticket to the Moon” hammocks
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Katadyn France will take charge of selling the “Ticket to the Moon” hammocks in 2011. The hammocks, which are made of high-grade parachute material (nylon silk), have been on the market since 1996. They have been developed by travelers for travelers and have already been tested in all climate zones of the world. The lightweight material has good breathing properties and dries quickly. It offers optimal protection against insects and reptiles and for some travel destinations may even eliminate the need for hauling along a tent. The hammocks are an optimal addition to the existing PharmaVoyage line of Katadyn France. The colorful “Ticket to the Moon” hammocks are available from Au Vieux Campeur and other dealerships.
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Katadyn France further expands its sales network
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2010 was an outstanding year for Katadyn France, with 70% growth alone in Pharma. Our French subsidiary is therefore expanding its Pharma distribution network in 2011 by adding more dealerships in order to optimally cover all the regions in France.
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U.S. market continues to grow
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The U.S. water filters market is steadily continuing its growth in 2011. After the record revenue figures achieved in 2010, sales have so far been at a top level also in 2011. Beside the outdoor, caravan and camping water system market, special growth was attained in Emergency Preparedness. Most people recognize the high importance of having dependable safe water and owning a personal water filter is a smart thing to do. With a water filter in your own house, you will always have enough safe drinking water supplies even in a crisis. The Katadyn Pocket Filter is the best-selling water filter in the U.S. Preparedness market. This is because it lasts the longest and is very durable, even in an emergency situation. Recently, the Pocket Filter was mentioned both on American television and in various U.S. magazines as an indispensable product for personal crisis provision. In times such as we are experiencing now, with fear of natural disasters mounting, demand is increasing for the Katadyn Pocket Filter as a back-up device in case of jeopardized drinking water supplies. Katadyn's new MyBottle water purifier is also suitable for emergencies and was chosen as the water purification equipment to be included in a popular preparedness kit company in the USA.
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New Globetrotter subsidiary in Munich
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Globetrotter, Germany's largest outdoor gear provider, opened a megastore in Munich on March 5. On a surface area of 6,500 square meters, outdoor aficionados will find everything for designing their active leisure time outdoors, including canoe test basins and cold chambers. We congratulate Globetrotter on their new subsidiary and wish them a super start into the summer outdoor season!
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New Bächli Bergsport subsidiary in Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerland
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Bächli Bergsport, Switzerland’s largest mountaineering equipment provider, in mid-December 2011 opened its seventh site in the country in Pfäffikon on the shores of the Lake of Zurich. Philipp Kaufmann and his team welcome mountaineering and outdoor enthusiasts to the new main subsidiary with is adjacent outlet. Bächli Bergsport offers you everything you need for high-altitude alpine tours, climbing, expeditions, hiking, or ski tours. The new subsidiary also carries our Katadyn, Optimus, and Trek’n Eat brand products.
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Katadyn online training program for U.S. dealerships
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Katadyn North America introduces in 2011 an on-line training tool for retail store associates. Since it is important that retail store employees who sell water systems understands the water market, sales training is a priority. In addition to Katadyn’s personal visits to retail stores, the online program Swarmbuilder (3point5) provides additional training that is available at any time. At no cost to retail stores, this valuable training tool makes it fun to learn about the importance of safe water and the differences between products. The retail stores who participate have seen higher sales as a result.
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Mars500 experiment with Trek'n Eat
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The Mars500 project of the Russian Space Agency Roskosmos and the European Space Agency ESA was launched in June 2010. The project simulates a manned flight to Mars. Its purpose is to offer insights into how the physical and mental performance of a person can be maintained under the extreme conditions prevailing during a long space mission. Just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2011, the six plucky Mars500 cosmonauts for the first time after 250 days left their spacecraft and stepped onto the ground of man-made “Mars.” This marks the end of the first phase – the outbound trip – of the world’s first simulated flight to Mars. Katadyn is supporting this ambitious research effort by supplying Trek´n Eat meals. Trek´n Eat products are important foods for conducting studies and were regularly consumed by the cosmonauts on their trip to Mars. Continuous examinations and tests showed that the blood pressure of the test candidates, who were healthy and well-trained in the first place, dropped appreciably since the mission began as a result of the reduced salt content of their food. The extensive experiment is divided into a number of different phases. It simulates a 250-day outbound journey, a 30-day stay on Mars, and a 240-day return flight to Earth. Katadyn is happy to be involved in this very special experiment and wishes the cosmonauts a nice stay on Mars and a trouble-free flight home.
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Optimus (H)EAT nominated for Scandinavian Outdoor Award
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Since 2006, the Scandinavian Outdoor Group (SOG) has presented a biannual award for the best product innovation of the leading Scandinavian outdoor brands. The criteria for winning the Scandinavian Outdoor Award include idea and innovation, functionality, details, and market potential. The Optimus (H)EAT Insulation Pouch, which will be launched in 2011, has been nominated for the Scandinavian Outdoor Award and was displayed at the ISPO 2011 in Munich. The (H)EAT retains the heat of meals as much as 25% longer, keeps your hands warm and can also be used on trips as an oven cloth.
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Trek’n Eat on odoo.tv
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In a four-minute product video, the German Internet TV broadcaster for outdoor gear, odoo.tv, showed the benefits of the freeze-dried meals of Trek’n Eat. Particular emphasis is placed there on preparation in the convenient, reclosable stand-up pouches with filling line. Other positive points that the product testers mentioned was the nutritional value data in various languages and the general internationalization of the Trek’n Eat brand. Watch the video
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Katadyn in-house News |
Shawn Hostetter new President of Katadyn North America
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Shawn Hostetter has been the new President of Katadyn North America since January 1, 2011. He succeeds Alan Lizee, who headed the company since it was set up in 2001. Shawn Hostetter has also been with the organization since 2001. In his function as Vice President of Sales, he was in charge of all sales activities of Katadyn North America. In addition, he collaborated closely with the Technical and Marketing departments at the Swiss headquarters in developing new products and strategies. Alan Lizee will continue to serve Katadyn North America as Chairman.
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New Logistics Manager at Katadyn France
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Marlène Pannefieu, Logistics Manager at Katadyn France, is leaving the company at the end of March in order to take up new challenges. Her successor is Audrey Boucher, who with her experience as Back Office Manager will offer the team of Katadyn France excellent support in sales and marketing.
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New headquarters and production facility of Katadyn Products Inc.
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The excavation work for the new corporate building of Katadyn Produkte AG in Kemptthal is in full swing. The move from the current site in Wallisellen to the new location is scheduled to start in 2012. This construction project is an investment in the future of the Katadyn Group. As a result of steady growth over the past years, the production site in Wallisellen is bursting at the seams. The new, modern production plant will enable us to satisfy the higher demand for our products while at the same time fulfilling the stringent requirements for an environmentally friendly production process. Despite high price pressures, we are deliberately relying on Switzerland as a production site for our water treatment products. This will enable us to continue to serve you also in the future with the top-class Swiss quality standard that you have become accustomed to.
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Trade Show Calender 2011· Pharmagora in Paris, France (March 31 to April 3, 2011)
· IDEF, Istanbul, Turkey (May 10 to 13, 2011)
· Outdoor-Messe in Friedrichshafen, Germany (July 14 to 17, 2011)
· Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, USA (August 4 to 7, 2011)
· MSPO 2011, Kielce, Poland (August 30 to September 1, 2011)
· DSEI, London, UK (September 13 to 16, 2011)
· Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany (August 27 to September 4, 2011)
· METS in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (November 15 to 17, 2011) |
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