NEWS AND NOTES

Contact:
Helen White
+44 (0) 1473 620754
office@gibbins.co.uk

Dan Burke
1-800-468-2879
dburke@farrierproducts.com
fpd@farrierproducts.com

Gibbins of Suffolk, located in the U.K., announced they have signed an agreement with Farrier Product Distribution, Inc. (FPD) of the U.S., to import and distribute their line of aprons designed specifically for the farrier market.  Under the terms of the agreement, FPD, one of the largest distributors of farrier products in North America, now has exclusive rights to import and distribute the Gibbins aprons to North American markets. 

The announcement follows a devastating fire in November of 2012 that destroyed the Gibbins’ production facility.  The plant has been restarted, and it is anticipated full production and availability of product will occur by mid to late summer of this year. 

Founded in the early 1980’s, Gibbins of Suffolk was purchased in 2007 by Carl Bettison.  “North America is a market with great potential, and our agreement with FPD will allow us to expand our presence and maintain the reputation we have for quality and detail,” said Bettison, Director of Gibbins.  “With FPD’s dedication to product development, marketing collaboration and outstanding distribution network they are an excellent choice to represent our products.”

“Gibbins enjoys a good reputation among the farriers for the quality and craftsmanship in the aprons they produce,” said Dan Burke, President of FPD.  “We set extremely high standards for the products we distribute and Gibbins meets our expectations.  We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Carl and his team at Gibbins.” 

About Gibbins of Suffolk

Gibbins of Suffolk was founded in the early 1980’s by John and Caroline Gibbins.  In 2007 the company was sold to Carl Bettison, founder of Stromsholm Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of Farrier products since 1972.  Gibbins manufactures a wide variety of high quality leather goods including aprons for the farrier market, which are distributed world-wide.  The head office and workshops are located in Suffolk, England.   Carl Bettison is the Director of Gibbins and Helen White is the Office and Sales Manager.  More information about Gibbins can be found at www.Gibbins.co.uk.

About Farrier Product Distribution, Inc.

Farrier Product Distribution (FPD) was founded in 1990 and is a wholesale distributor of farrier and related equine products.  Considered a leader in bringing groundbreaking products and service to the Farrier industry, the company distributes to suppliers throughout North America.  FPD’s corporate offices and distribution center is located in Shelbyville, KY.  More information about FPD can be found at www.farrierproducts.com. and www.farrierproducts.com/blog.

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