9 Sep 2008

Land yacht company looking beyond Europe for sales

7:30 am on 9 September 2008

Europe is the biggest market for a family business in the Bay of Plenty that makes land-yachts, Blo-kart International.

The business started in a garage in Papamoa. Export orders now make up 85% of its annual turnover if $3 million.

The company also operates a track for its Blo-Karts in Papamoa and is soon to host 100 competitors in the first world championships, at the end of this month.

General manager Matt Beckett says holding events helps build the sport's profile, leading to more sales and internationally the race is seen as growing pretty strongly.

Mr Beckett says Blo-Kart is looking to increase sales, particularly in the United States and is working on other ideas to develop in future.