Testimonial Manta5

Based in New Zealand, Manta5 was founded in 2011 by Guy Howard-Willis and brought to life by bike designer Roland Alonzo, both passionate and committed cyclists. Manta5’s profile exploded internationally when their prototype won Gold in the Concept Category at the 2017 Best Awards. Since then the Manta5 team has grown considerably.

To support their European growth plans Manta5 needed to setup a European supply chain. Manta5 was introduced to the Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC) through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. HIDC was asked to provide supply chain advice and to help find the best logistics partner to support Manta5’s growth in the EU.

In March 2020, HIDC and Manta5 began discussing steps to find a suitable logistics partner. During the intake we discussed the business goals, critical success factors, barriers to success and the main buying criteria for partner selection. This approached helped in understanding the key logistics requirements and brought tremendous focus in the logistics partner selection.

Based on the requirements from Manta5, HIDC has suggested five logistics partners. After discussions with the suggested logistics service providers Manta5 chose Tigers International Logistics as their European logistics partner.

Brynn McKenzie (Logistics Manager) states that “the data matrix from the intake was a great validation tool but its largest benefit was probably more so that it allowed me to flesh out and think about what aspects of logistics are best for us right now. Cash flow was the most weighted factor, and Tigers filled all the other criteria nicely, but also allowed us the ability to invoice customers quicker while paying much smaller setup fees. We are now confidently on track to import into the EU, as well as building a post-sales network with our team.”

“At Manta5 are able to use the Netherlands as our gateway into the rest of Europe. We have great cash flow benefits in utilising a bonded warehouse, and general fiscal representation, as well as a central location to our European market. We are a long way away in New Zealand, but we can essentially trade as a European company in the logistics capital of the world.”

“HIDC went above and beyond in our initial logistic company selection phase, and this was during the first lockdown of COVID when spare time was scarce. For a start-up on the other side of the world, we rely on European experience where we can and Jasper Eggebeen was able to provide that. The tools that HIDC provides, specifically the logistics library, was able to assist Manta5’s research and validation of our European entry strategy. For any international company looking to import and trade into Europe for the first time, there is great value in the services offered by HIDC.”

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