As global economies increasingly prioritize local production, companies from abroad have to fight for their place in the dwindling line up of imports. South African company Zebra Protection spoke to BodyArmorNews.com at Milipol Paris, about overcoming the difficulties of being a geographic outsider. George Morphis points to an unlikely key player: relationships.
Building a Brand
Since 2001, the family-centered Zebra Protection has run a “technology-focused” company out of South Africa. The Morphis family is at the core of its operations, with Milipol Paris being their “family vacation”, jokes George. It is quite special to see a company run by and with a family, even more so in the defense industry. This commitment to family values provides a foundation for a unique company which, even at its very roots, recognizes the importance of relationships.
In the face of increasingly domestic production, these values might be an extra step that sets Zebra apart. Currently, their range of products spans ballistic helmets, body armor, ballistic plates, demining and shields. Their exports have reached nearly 60 countries worldwide.
Building Friendship
In an industry dominated by technology and precision, Morphis emphasizes the unlikely power of relationships. Being located at what he dubs “the bottom of the world”, Zebra Protection has always had to work around the difficulties of shipping. But international exchanges and air freights are, he explains, much easier to find than genuine connections.
The absence of a European office takes a toll on Zebra Protection. “Speaking the language, forming relationships” can be difficult from so far away. But, with their products being shipped to over 60 countries, Zebra Protection is working around this setback efficiently.
To Morphis, conferences like Milipol Paris are a major opportunity. Staff at Zebra Protection recall his frequent motto: “if you’re not here, you disappear”. For firms outside of Europe, in particular, defense industry events can provide an excellent opportunity for networking.
The clear takeaway for any company in body armor is to never neglect the power of relationships in forming meaningful partnerships. As Morphis would say, do not let your company disappear.
