ASK most manufacturers of hi-fi gear what business is like these days, and chances are you’ll get an unenthusiastic response. One of those that will answer against the grain is PMC, the British loudspeaker stalwart that’s made its mark with audiophiles and sound engineers alike.
Last year, in celebration of two decades in the business, PMC launched the twenty series, and demand for this has been so “phenomenal” that the company has ramped up its production capacity and expanded its global distribution network. The twenty series demand is growing at 10% a month, not an inconsiderable feat in current economic climes.
The twenty series, comprising two stand-mount and two floor-standing models, along with a centre channel speaker, has garnered much acclaim in the hi-fi press from various countries.
PMC’s managing director Miles Roberts, in a statement on the company’s website, says the demand was unexpected.
“There is no denying that our performance and growth during the toughest trading conditions ever witnessed by the hi-fi industry, is nothing short of fantastic.
“We knew the actual moment of unveiling the twenty series was going to be spectacular due to the venue we selected and planning that went into our 20th anniversary conference, and we had total confidence in the look and sound of the products. But even we couldn’t have anticipated just how well they would be received by our distributors and retailers across the world.
“It is testament to the vision of the design team responsible for the products that we find ourselves in the situation where we literally cannot make them fast enough to satisfy demand and why we have had to employ more people to keep up with the orders.”
Read our interview with Andy Duffield, PMC’s international sales manager, who was in Kuala Lumpur recently.