Mackie rebrands as RunningMan in China with EZPro as distributor
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Mackie products are to be marketed under the RunningMan brand in China as part of an effort to deal with brand confusion in the country, where parent company Loud Technologies does not own the Mackie trademark. The news was announced at a press conference in Shenzhen at which EZPro was named the new exclusive distributor for the RunningMan range, which includes the full Mackie portfolio.
‘We’re making this move to reduce the confusion that has existed in China in the past regarding Mackie products,’ explained Mackie and Ampeg president, Alex Nelson. The RunningMan product range will feature Mackie’s distinctive stick-man logo – the inspiration for the new China-only brand.
With EZPro in place as its new distributor, RunningMan products are expected to arrive on the Chinese mainland immediately, including the DL1608 digital mixer with iPad control and the new Master Fader V1.4 software and My Fader app for iPhone and iPod touch control. June will see the Chinese launch of the DL806 mixer with iPad control. The DLM series, comprising the DLM8 and DLM12 two-way powered speakers and DLM12S powered subwoofer, is also new for the Chinese market.
‘EZPro is honoured to be the exclusive distributor for the RunningMan brand in China, and to announce that the brand has officially entered the Chinese market,’ said Alan Ho, EZPro’s senior vice president. ‘This will eliminate any confusion in the current market and make it easy for consumers who want the goods sold as Mackie elsewhere in the world, who want to buy the same authentic, American-designed products in China.’
In the days following the announcement, EZPro and Loud Technologies sealed the new partnership by exhibiting together at the Pro Sound & Light show in Guangzhou. RunningMan will be further supported by China-wide roadshows, a dealer sales network and technical support.
‘We thank EZPro for its support and partnership, and look forward to an exciting and prosperous future together,’ continued Mr Nelson. ‘We look forward to establishing RunningMan in China to the same level as Mackie worldwide.’