Importer of Promotional Items - 100 million promotional items produced over 30 years

Beginning of the adventure in 1994, pioneer of the promotional item market

AHK PRODUCTIONS was founded in 1994 with the company Arcade, dedicated to the wholesale of custom promotional items for institutional prescribers.

The first turning point for the company was the production of customizable pins, the trendiest product of the time, marking the beginning of imports from Asia, specifically from Taiwan.

In the 90s, importing products was a real challenge: finding suppliers, establishing solid partnerships, and organizing the repatriation of goods were major issues.

The 100% Reseller Business Model Created in 1995

The import of products from Asia required developing a customer base generating significant volumes, essential for financial balance. Thus, we oriented our strategy towards a B to B model, a 100% reseller DNA that has characterized us for 25 years.

Today, we collaborate with numerous resellers in France and Europe. Some partnerships have existed for over 20 years, and we are determined to build our future together:

• Quality Charter to guarantee the performance of our company
• Marketing tools tailored for resellers
• Experienced sales advisors
• Efficient logistics service
• Innovative graphic design and production

Development of the Product Range in 1997

Considering that the pin market would have a limited lifespan, we sought to offer more development opportunities to our network of promotional item resellers.

We positioned ourselves in the custom promotional item and event market. The products launched included:

• Metal Badges: pins, medallions, etc.
• Custom Metal Keychains, catering to an established market.
• Printed Flexible Magnets, trendy for their low bulk, weight, and cost.
• Token-Metal in the format of 10 francs, a growing market with "coin dispensers" on shopping carts.
• Embroidered Patches, meeting an established tradition.

Metal constituted the core of our activity at that time, utilizing techniques such as stamping on copper or iron, chemical engraving on brass, and cold enameling. The second phase of development occurred at the end of the 90s with the introduction of products in injected PVC: keychains, figurines, etc.

1997 - Opening of China to Promotional Item Importers

In the early 80s, China changed its economic policy to move towards a market economy, open to exports and foreign capital. This opening became complete in the 90s, with our suppliers setting up in China and altering our import procedures, now conducted via Hong Kong.

We established strong relationships with our suppliers, characterized by:

• State-of-the-art production techniques.
• A deep understanding of the European market.
• Complex and controlled organizational methods.
• Respect for quality human relationships in our daily work.

Transformation of Production Tools CAD/Graphic Design - 2000

To create custom products, it was necessary to design and draw them. Models were partially created on computer, accompanied by black-and-white laser prints and manual transfers, often complemented by alcohol marker colorings.

During the 2000s, we completely digitized our production means, thanks to computer advances, software development, and the advent of the internet.

Today, our CAD/graphic design service boasts 25 years of projects, constituting an encyclopedia of know-how in terms of production techniques, markings, material knowledge, and pitfalls to avoid.

Export Development in 2006 for Your Customized Promotional Product Wholesaler

Following an analysis of potential markets, the company worked on establishing an export division. This division collaborates with distributors across Europe, partners of AHK, wholesaler of customized promotional products.

This move towards export has allowed the company to mature its European commercial approach:

• Adaptation of communication supports and techniques.
• Product range adaptation.
• Adjustment to the customs and practices of each country.
• Optimization of logistical solutions.

This evolution has strengthened the company and contributed to its economic growth.

Creation of an E-commerce Platform in 2008

In 2008, we created our e-commerce platform dedicated to resellers. Over the years, the product range has expanded, adding over 8,000 references of promotional items, facilitating reseller access to a wide variety of customizable products. Thanks to advances in printing and marking technologies, our resellers benefit from a simplified, rapid, and efficient process.

The Necessary Transition to a 2.0 Company - Since 2017

The digital transformation is currently affecting all sectors, including B2B. Aware of these challenges, we decided to tackle the issue head-on:

• Implementation of collective intelligence within the company.
• Process improvements.
• Rebranding of the company’s image.
• Presence on social media.
• Continuous enhancement of the customer experience.

And many other transitions to meet and anticipate the reactivity and agility needs of our clients now and in the future. Personalized promotional product wholesaler for 25 years, we continue to work by your side.

Updating the Production Tool - 2019

In 2019, we modernized our production line, investing in cutting-edge machines while maintaining our human approach and sense of service. These innovations allow us to guarantee optimized delivery times and unmatched value for money.

Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction remains our priority, adapting continuously to market developments.

Future: Towards Sustainable and Responsible Development

We are committed to developing sustainable relationships with our clients and suppliers. In 2024, we will continue exploring eco-responsible initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to ethical and responsible production.

With AHK Productions, let's commit together to a future where quality, creativity, and responsibility rhyme with success.