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Plastics & rubber market research

Partner search project in Poland
Completion: 2009 - 04
Target markets: PL
Objective: An Ohio-based manufacturer of plasticating components such as screws, screw tips, barrels, nozzles, end caps/nozzle adapters and heater-bands to the plastics industry was seeking distribution partners in Poland. The plastics sector is one of the fastest developing areas within the chemical industry in Poland, and has been growing rapidly for the last 10 years. Experts forecast future growth since plastics consumption and usage in Poland is still behind levels observed in Western Europe.
Results: A total of 21 pre-selected prospective partners were directly approached and interviewed by the consultant. Following initial phone conversation their managers were sent additional information about the client and their plasticating components. After having the opportunity to consider the offer, they were contacted again to obtain their final decision. 5 companies interested in further talks/partnership were identified, each possessing different strengths and weaknesses. Our conversations with current suppliers of plasticating screws and components suggest the key buyers are end-users of plastic injection moulding and plastic extrusion machines. The plasticating components market in Poland is dominated by products imported from China, even though their quality is being questioned.
   

Searching for a manufacturer of LDPE/LLDPE films for industrial applications
Completion: 2009 - 03
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Easylink was requested to conduct a customized partner search among companies that have access to film extrusion facilities, qualified sales team and with potential to build/expand VCI (corrosion protection additives) business in LDPE/LLDPE film production.
Results: Easylink's consultant identified and approached 26 companies dealing with LDPE/LLDPE films production/distribution. 11 companies were interested in meeting our client's representative, including 9 producers and 2 distributors.
   

U.S. producer of thermoformed parts looking for distribution partners
Completion: 2009 - 03
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was enlisted by a world leader in custom thermoformed parts to identify, approach, evaluate and recommend prospective distribution partners for its material handling systems in the Czech Republic.
Results: A total of 22 pre-selected prospective partners were interviewed by the consultant. EasyLink's consultants recommended 3 prospects for direct communication and provided their detailed profiles and contact details of English-speaking decision makers. The report also included information on the Czech plastic packaging market.
   

In-depth market potential evaluation
Completion: 2009 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned by a Czech company to evaluate potential for production of PET film from recycled or virgin PET materials. Our task was to analyze competition and identify end user sectors as well as map potential customers and their needs.
Results: EasyLink's consultant carried research of secondary resources (e.g. company databases and websites) as well as interviewed experts in recycling of PET materials into PET flakes and potential users of PET films (e.g. producers of blisters). Our report provided clear in-sight into the key players on the Czech PET market; we identified and profiled two suppliers of PET films and 27 companies with confirmed use of PET films in their production.
   

Manufacturer of rubber products for glass distributors and window manufacturers seeking partners
Completion: 2008 - 06
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was requested to conduct customized market research and partner selection amongst companies dealing with glass distribution or sale of packaging, insulating and sealing materials.
Results: The consultant identified and approached 13 pre-selected companies to discuss their qualification for and interest in generating sales and establishing distribution of client's products in the Czech Republic. The consultant recommended the client to directly approach 4 companies (qualified with confirmed interest in negotiation).
   

Irish manufacturer seeking injection moulding contractors in Slovakia
Completion: 2007 - 11
Target markets: SK
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to seek a minimum of 3 qualified contractors and obtain their specific price quotations based on a technical RFQ provided to us at the start of the project.
Results: Within just 5 working days from project confirmation, EasyLink obtained 3 quotations from prospective Slovak contractors.
   

U.K. producer of polyurethane materials looking for partners in the automotive industry
Completion: 2006 - 08
Target markets: CZ
Objective: A U.K. producer contracted our services to identify, approach and schedule meetings with prospective partners in the Czech automotive industry.
Results: EasyLink's consultant identified and approached 12 automotive manufacturers to evaluate their qualification and interest in discussing specific business opportunities with the client. Meetings were scheduled with 4 prospects. EasyLink provided the client with logistics-related assistance and accompanied the client to all meetings to provide in market support and interpret.
   

Setting customer appointments in Hungary
Completion: 2006 - 03
Target markets: HU
Objective: EasyLink was asked to schedule appointments with prospective customers.
Results: The consultant in Hungary screened close to 300 companies in market segments of interest (construction, outdoor swimming pools, garden building, fences, mobile buildings, furniture, plastic windows, sanitary products, plastic packaging and processing). The number of contacted companies reached 41 (the agreed project specification called for between 15-25 targets). A three-day meeting itinerary was arranged for the client.
   

Identifying sources of recycled/sorted plastic waste in Poland
Completion: 2006 - 01
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our task was to identify sources of recycled/sorted plastic waste to assist our U.K. client in determining whether or not the Polish market offers sufficient potential.
Results: We carried out market research to address specific issues to help the client determine the best route to market.
   

U.K. producer of window safety films seeking a local distribution partner
Completion: 2005 - 12
Target markets: CZ
Objective: A global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of precision-coated specialty substrates for medical, imaging and electronic technologies enlisted our assistance to identify, approach and evaluate prospective partners and schedule meetings with companies interested in partnership.
Results: After detailed screening of pre-selected prospects, we scheduled meetings with five companies with confirmed interest in partnership talks with the client.
   

Evaluating market potential for master batch for plastics
Completion: 2005 - 06
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The largest independent producer of master batch in the U.K. is seeking to find an agent already selling/distributing virgin plastic materials and with a good technical capability along with a good standard of English. Although the master batches are produced on a bespoke basis, the Czech partner would not be expected to hold stock, although may elect to keep stock of commodity colours.
Results: Altogether 8 companies confirmed interest to further communicate with the client about possible cooperation and terms of trade; all companies already distribute virgin plastic materials and believe to be able to successfully develop a market within their existing client base as well as to address new clients in the future. One of the companies requested a quote for a 25 kg batch of master batch prior to further negotiation.
   

In-depth market study
Completion: 2005 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The main objective of this market research was to provide an overview of the Czech water tank and electrical and gas metering cabinets markets and assess market potential for client's products.
Results: We conducted desk research of in-house databases, trade directories, Internet resources and trade fair catalogues as well as a series of telephone interviews with relevant industry contacts. Our work addressed the following key questions: how water tanks and electrical and gas metering cabinets are currently being sold in the Czech Republic, who are the key suppliers and who are the key buyers, who are the major influencers and decision makers and who specifies technical requirements. We further estimated the market size of each of the segments of interest and provided information about the key competitors (incl. company profiles and specification of products) as well as potential distribution partners/agents and installers (again providing their company profiles). Last but not least, the client was provided a list of sector-specific contacts such as periodicals, tradeshows, conferences, government/regulatory agencies, business associations and key individuals etc. The study was presented as two separate reports, each close to 50 pages in length; one file was dedicated to the water tanks market and the other to electrical and gas metering cabinets.
   

Partner search project
Completion: 2005 -
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The client specialises in the design, construction and installation of bespoke equipment, providing solutions to the complex materials handling problems of a worldwide customer base of manufacturers of PET and other plastic containers. The client recognises that it needs to establish relationships with agents currently dealing with compatible equipment after having identified the new EU accession states as being markets that the company wishes to target. The client would like to identify agents/distributors of compatible machinery such as blow moulding machines, strapping and wrapping equipment.
Results: During thorough research of suppliers of packaging and blow moulding machines we did not find any company that would match the requested profile of a prospective partner, i.e. a company that would supply PET container manufacturers with machinery, would be a Czech distributor, would not be an exclusive agent of a competitive manufacturer and would be willing and interested to enter in negotiation. Our findings indicated that the proposed method of entering the Czech market through a distributor was not feasible and the market potential was limited. We thus recommended the client to explore direct marketing efforts, i.e. targeting potential customers.
   

In-depth analysis of sales opportunities in the Czech plastics industry
Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: CZ
Objective: In addition to preparing a detailed market study we were engaged to carry a partner search project for a German supplier of PTFE components and semi-finished products.
Results: The plastics industry has been one of the most dynamically growing sectors of the Czech economy; aggregate sales, imports and exports all almost doubled from 1997 to 2003, and the sector attracted over USD 72 million in FDI between 1993 and 2003. EasyLink also pre-selected and contacted 22 companies to evaluate their interest in partnering up with the client.
   

Research of potential customers
Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client, a supplier of sterile plastic containers and packaging, commissioned EasyLink to identify potential customers in the Czech Republic and assess their purchasing behaviour and procedures as well as potential for sourcing from the client.
Results: EasyLink identified and engaged two groups of potential customers - 56 producers of pharmaceuticals, medications, food supplements and medical products and 37 distributors and wholesalers of consumable medical materials as well as pharmaceuticals. EasyLink then interviewed their managers in charge of procurement of consumables, particularly plastic packaging. Separate questionnaires were utilised for each above-discussed group of customers. EasyLink then analysed the answers and prepared summaries and graphs to present the findings (e.g. the majority of interviewed companies places orders and their supplier delivers the goods to their facility as well as the majority of companies tend to utilize a standing supplier without going through a tender process for each order). Our interviews further identified 3 manufacturers and 1 distributor that were urgently looking for a new supplier and recommended the client to contact them immediately.
   

Identifying distributors in the Czech Republic
Completion: 2002 - 10
Target markets: CZ
Objective: In the past, our client - a specialist in high-tech bonded seals - relied on a sister company in France to cover Eastern Europe. However, now the company wishes to target the Czech Republic as the first step to establishing its own distribution network in the CEE region. The client is looking for distributors to stock/deliver and eventually to manage the selling operation.
Results: 10 companies were identified as potential candidates and contacted by telephone for a brief conversation on client's products. All prospects were interested in receiving further information, which was sent to them by email. After their close evaluation, 5 companies expressed interest in meeting the client to discuss specific opportunities and to obtain detailed information, and one-to-one appointments were arranged.
   

Irish supplier of injection moulding and tools visits the Czech market to meet prospective contractors
Completion: 2000 - 06
Target markets: CR + SK
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to identify, approach and evaluate prospective contractors with experience in blow moulding and equipped with blow moulding machines capable of making large parts - 60-litre head capacity.
Results: The consultant identified 5 prospective partners meeting all the client's criteria and arranged one-to-one meetings for June 2000. The client was then accompanied by EasyLink's managing director who provided market support and interpretation assistance.
   

Identifying partners in the Czech Republic
Completion: 1999 - 10
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client, one of the leading independent semiconductor foundries in Europe, requested EasyLink to determine sales opportunities amongst companies manufacturing electronic components, integrated circuits and telecommunication equipment.
Results: EasyLink identified 3 prospective buyers - manufacturers of integrated circuits and assessed their interest in receiving detailed information from the client. In addition, EasyLink contacted other companies that were initially considered as possible partners; however, none of them proved to be a potential buyer. EasyLink then recommended the client to contact the three candidates with product literature, preferably including a price list, to establish interest in further contact. The client then travelled to the Czech Republic to meet the top candidate in February 2000. EasyLink's managing director accompanied the client to the meeting to provide market support and interpretation assistance.
   

Czech Republic: U.K. supplier of bonded seals explores route-to-market
Completion: 1999 - 09
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The objective of this project was to identify the correct route to market for a supplier of bonded seals for the automotive, chemical, industrial and aerospace industries. Our task was to contact design engineers in the process plant manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Results: EasyLink assessed potential within the automotive industry (rather limited due to Skoda's procurement procedures), process plant manufacturers (contacting for instance the largest company working for the chemical and petrochemical industry), rubber products & sealing manufacturers (interviewing several potential joint-venture partners) and seal distributors (contacting a major distributor of sealing products for industrial use). EasyLink's consultant then asked the client to provide additional information and answer particular questions asked by prospective customers before proceeding further.
   


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Plastics and rubber market research in Central & Eastern Europe
Would you like to understand and estimate the market potential for plastic and rubber products and machinery in the CEE region? EasyLink provides professional expertise in strategic market research, market intelligence, competitive intelligence, market size analysis and market potential evaluation, competitive landscape and distribution structure study, identification of new customers and potential partners etc. Please contact us to discuss how we can assist your business objectives in export, marketing or sourcing.


Customer Search & Partner Search in Central & Eastern Europe
Are you seeking plastics and rubber distributors, agents or buyers in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia? We are experienced experts in search, identification, screening and pre-selection of business partners in Central & Eastern Europe, ranging from distributor search to profiling of prospective customers and identifying specific business opportunities; we assist our clients with sourcing in emerging markets and low-cost markets in the CEE region.