FeONIC breaks the Middle East sound barrier
SOUND specialist FeONIC is breaking into the Middle East construction sector after appointing a selling agent for its innovative products.
The agreement between the Hull-based audio technology company, which makes products that can turn most surfaces into an audio speaker, and architectural solutions specialists Techtonic will see FeONIC marketed in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Huwait, Egypt and Libya.
In particular, the license states that FeONIC products are to be used as the audio source in paneling products and construction materials supplied by Techtonic to major construction projects within its Middle Eastern territory.
Brenda Hopkins, chairman of FeONIC, said: “The Middle East construction market is showing itself to be far more robust than its western counterparts in current times.
“Techtonic has an impressive network both in the Middle East and with the major architectural houses in Europe. We are delighted to be entering into the agreement with them.”
Tamer Qaqish, director of Techtonic, said that for modern-day buildings FeONIC’s technology was increasingly less of a value added item but an essential one.
“We are delighted to be representing FeONIC’s product range in the region,” he added.
Last month the firm, which is listed on the Plus junior stock market, announced a leap in half-year turnover thanks to growing global sales.
Losses fell to £40,711 during the six months to January 31 compared to £188,448 for the same period the previous year.
FeONIC said that the period saw it complete its investment in its F-Series product range – an invisble audio sound system.
It expects to bring in new developments for the F-Series, including wireless capability, later this year, along with a higher quality Soundbug product – which can turn a number of surfaces into a loudspeaker when connected with a device such as an MP3 player.
It said it had seen repeat sales of its products from newly appointed distributors and agents in Japan, Australia, Hungary and Brazil since last September and the first product sales through its associated company FeONIC SEA in Singapore, which is distributing products in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
FeONIC was formed as a spin-out from Hull University in 1994.
The company – formerly Newlands Scientific – floated on OFEX in August 1999 raising just under £1m.
The company also developed the pioneering Whispering Window which uses glass panes as speakers and has been used by top retail chains including Marks & Spencer and John Lewis to attract customers.
