Frontech is a channel friendly company and we believe in growing with our channel partners – Mr. Bipin Thakur, Head of Sales -Jupiter International Ltd (Frontech)

in an exclusive interview with ITVoice, Mr. Bipin Thakur, Head of Sales -Jupiter International Ltd (Frontech), reveals his strategies forbusiness in India.

Vikas Gupta :-  What have been the key performance highlights for Frontech in 2015?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- For more than two decades Frontech has pioneered affordable innovations through their product offerings for the mass markets. With the key focus on products that offer superior value through good quality and best-in-class features at an affordable price, Frontech has built a robust product portfolio of more than 300 distinguished products amalgamated into a range of 45 product categories.

With various innovations in technology Frontech has always offered several latest products in several categories that has presented its consumers a range of option to choose their gadget in Bluetooth Speakers, USB Speakers, Headphones and IT Peripherals.

Year 2015 has been momentous and significant year for Frontech and its growth throughout the year has been amazing. To promote the growth of the company, JIL has set up its own Manufacturing facility of in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. The plant has been set up in Technical Collaboration with Germany based Singulus Technologies. The equipment and technical knowhow supplied by Singulus Technologies enables the company to manufacture quality products, matching World Standards at Indian prices.

Since the IT hardware industry is going through a stagnant phase, maintaining our growth we have also ventured into Power sectors with products like Online UPS, Stabilizers and Solar Panels. And for the coming year as well Frontech plans to extend its product portfolio to a variety of new novelty products in pipeline that will encourage user’s preferences in technology and gadget to the next level of modernization and exhilaration.

Vikas Gupta :-  What range of products and solution do you have?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- Frontech is considered as one of the most innovative and fastest growing brands in majority of its product categories. The never-ending efforts of the entire Frontech team and a remarkable support of its customers, have led Frontech to an impressive portfolio which includes Power Products and Consumer electronics. With an extensive range of products Frontech portfolio includes – Speakers, Headphone, Optical Mouse, and E-Cam, Keyboards, Memory device LED Monitors, UPS, Gaming Accessories, optical media, Computer accessories and Laptop accessories.

Large range of BT speakers, woofers, Trendy Wireless Head Fones, Solar Panels, LED Bulbs have been added in product portfolio as well.

Vikas Gupta :-  In terms of line of products, what are the key focus areas for the company?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- Frontech aims to grow in several categories of products and further expand its robust product portfolio, which can set a benchmark in the IT industry.

Currently,  the line of products we are focusing on are  the range of Bluetooth Headphones, Speakers, Home Theatre systems and other IT peripherals like optical mouse, keyboards and cabinets,Alsohas planned to offer huge range of Power Banks, Laptop & USB Accessories,LED Bulbs, LEDProducts from 4th quarter of this financial year. The customized solar solutions/products to hit the market in 1st quarter of 2016-17 financial year. Along with regular IT products , Major focus product would be Power Products, CE Products and Solar products .

Vikas Gupta :-  Can you elaborate on  FRONTECH  channel engagements?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- Frontech is a channel friendly company and we believe in growing with our channel partners. We have made a stronger communication model to reach our channel more effectively.

The channel partners will play a key role in sustaining and expanding the brand’s presence in the country. We believe in strengthening and supporting our partners by introducing exciting creative marketing promotion for the channel partners and end users.

We have loyal and dedicated channel partners who have been associated with us since last 15-20 years and depending on the enquiry from the customer they play a crucial role in placing our brand at the top and we also believe in strengthening and supporting our partners by introducing exciting creative marketing promotion for the channel partners and end users.

Through strong relations with our channel partners, we are able to provide useful first-hand information on the price fluctuations and help them prepare to seize market opportunities. We consider our channel partners as an important part of Frontech as they do contribute to our brand image.Different schemes, brand awareness programs, road shows, dealers/channel meets have been planned in B and C class cities.

Vikas Gupta :-  What are your plans in the consumer segment?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- We are one of the most accepted and trusted brand in consumer segment. This year we expect to do even bigger in terms of growth. As per  the Indian  market  budget attracts Indian markets the most, so without compromising on quality our attempt is to make the technology affordable for consumers, we have always been rated as value for money brand/product. We are planned to increase the size of our product basket by offering products like Tower speakers, DJ speakers, Sound Bars, Variety in LED Bulbs and Lights by the end of this financial year. Also we have some aggressive plans to launching many customized solar products from the beginning of new financial year.

Vikas Gupta :-  Currently, which product segments of Frontech are doing well in the market and which you are focusing for the current quarter?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- Our prime focus is IT + Consumable + Power products only. The regional focus will be more on B and C class cities, moreover we have also launched LED lights and Solar Panels in Frontech brand and its large focus will be in Eastern and Southern India. As you know green energy revolution in India so we have a plan to take this business to equal level of existing business in coming financial year.

Vikas Gupta :-  What is your Channel strategy & how many Channel Partners do you have in India?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- ‘JIL Network’ or better called ‘JIL Family’ constitutes support from its Channel Partners which includes Distributors, Dealers and Resellers along with the dedicated workforce of over 500 employees and with this valuable support from its loyal team, the Company has been able to cement its position in today’s competitive market and has built credibility amongst several million satisfied end users.

We believe in strengthening and supporting our partners by introducing exciting creative marketing promotion for the channel partners and end users. With presence in more than 26 cities Frontech is associated with more than 45000 dealers, distributors and re-sellers with its availability across leading Retail stores and ecommerce portals.

In close partnership with our teams, events have been the best platform for Frontech partners to present the existing and upcoming ranges, and to enjoy unique offers and special programs, all designed to improve the overall profitability. By supporting such events and related support, we strengthen and widen our partnerships. Apart from the same we also participate in several expos and exhibitions building a wider exposure for the brand.

With strong relations with our channel partners, we are able to provide useful first-hand information on the price fluctuations and help them prepare to seize market opportunities. We consider our channel partners as an important part of Frontech as they do contribute to our brand image.

Vikas Gupta :-  What is your outlook for the overall IT market? What are you channel plans for 2016?

Mr. Bipin Thakur :- No doubt IT peripherals segment is stagnant now, no major growth can be seen in this segment but still due to consumers trust and loyalty in brand of last 20+ years Frontech has advantage over regional or time serving brands. There are many initiatives planned by Frontech , and in a short span we introduced many products in BT segment, Power segment and in imaging segment. Our Blue Tooth products with years of efforts have got a good response from the channel partners from all the parts of the country and now we have huge range of woofers, speakers catering the requirements of all the segments. Our plan is to stay as channel’s best and most preferred selling brands in our product segments. Frontech as a brand always has proven itself right in its brand statement of “Technology for Tomorrow “and we shall continue with the same vision.