GME announces Whiffletree Corp as distributor

by GM Press Release on 7 Dec 2007 GME, Australia’s leading marine electronics manufacturer and designer of the highly regarded AccuSat™ range of emergency beacons is pleased to announce Whiffletree Corporation as its North American distributor for marine and recreational products.

Under the leadership of well known marine electronics industry leader George Lariviere, Whiffletree will assume US responsibility for the sales, marketing and technical support of the GME product line.

In announcing the distribution partnership, Sean Griffin, GME’s Sales and Marketing GM said 'We have been studying the US market for several years and realised that to succeed we would need to align ourselves with a knowledgeable and technically competent partner. We have a highly competitive product range; we have already secured several FCC approvals, and are in the process of acquiring others. Our introduction to Whiffletree and subsequent distribution agreement has provided the missing link to our US market Strategy'.

George Lariviere founded Whiffletree in 2005, after a distinguished career that included senior positions with Koden USA, Northern Airborne Technologies and Alden, more recently he held a consulting position with the UK beacon manufacturer McMurdo. Lariviere is the current chairman of RTCM and a past manufacturers’ representative to the NMEA’s board of directors. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious Seatrade Award for services to the marine industry.

Operating through a national network of specialized marine electronics representatives and distributors, Boston based Whiffletree currently manages the distribution and technical liaison for a product range that includes Navtex and AIS systems, GMDSS hand held VHF radios, and WS Technologies 406MHz beacon testers. The addition of the GME marine range, particularly the AccuSat™ emergency beacons and the amazing GX600 DSC VHF radio will perfectly complement Whiffletree’s existing product lines and provide further strength and momentum to its expanding dealer network.

Griffin concluded by adding: 'We have absolutely no illusions about the US market; it is undoubtedly the toughest in the world, never the less, with the Whiffletree GME alliance we have created the leverage and wherewithal to provide the industry with a quality product line supported by the very best in pre and post sales care. We are ready for the challenge'.

Further information may be obtained by contacting George Lariviere, Whiffletree Corporation at
1-207-647-3300 or George@whiffletreecorp.com, or Sean Griffin in Australia at sgriffin@gme.net.au