Tech Data lands Propel as first major drone vendor signing

By Simon Meredith | 1st September 2017
  • Partnership with leading player signals distributor’s intent to lead the way in high growth sector
  • New Star Wars range set to become the best-selling toy this year

Basingstoke, 1 September 2017 – Tech Data Corporation (Nasdaq: TECD) has signed a distribution agreement with Propel, one of the market-leading developers of consumer drones and remote-control helicopters and the company responsible for the exciting new Star Wars drones, which promise to amongst the best-selling toys this Christmas season.

Propel range includes some of the best-selling devices on the market and with Tech Data’s extensive reach and unrivalled stock-holding and logistics, the two companies hope their partnership will provide optimum availability and enable retail partners to maximise their opportunities in this rapidly growing sector of the market.

Propel is already a renowned name and the company picked up Disney UK’s Most Innovative Product 2016 award for its Star Wars drones. A whole new series of models are being added to this family ahead of the release of The Last Jedi (also known as Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi), which is scheduled 15 December 2017.

The partnership is Tech Data’s first with a major drone manufacturer and sends a clear message to the market, said Matt Child, Managing Director of the Tech Data Consumer Technology Group (CTG). “Tech Data is committed to developing its consumer technology business and supporting retailers in driving sales. Obviously, there is huge potential with drones and this agreement with Propel sets a marker for where we want to be in the market – making the very best products available and helping both our retailer customers and our vendor partners to maximise the potential.”

Darren Matloff, CEO of Propel, stated: “Tech Data’s consistent success in delivering products to the marketplace will ensure that delighted customers will be able to pilot their favourite Star Wars ships at speeds of over 35 mph and engage friends and family in multiplayer battles. Each drone is intricately detailed, hand-painted to model-quality finish, certified, numbered and packaged in a collectible display box that has to be experienced to fully appreciate. We are excited to partner with Tech Data on the launch of the new Star Wars drones who have been heavily involved in getting these products to market and has shown their versatility and capabilities when it comes to supporting the consumer channel.”

Picture: Matt Child, Tech Data.

Tech Data Mobile Matt Child

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