From two-man band to global player

Husband-and-wife team Janusz and Bogumila Jankiewicz set up Aquael as a two-man band over 30 years ago; now they run a group of companies with a 600-plus workforce, supplying high-quality pet products through distributors to retailers in more than 90 countries. Aquael has carved out a strong market position in Europe and America especially, but also exports to countries such as Ecuador, which at first glance doesn't seem an obvious sales market for pet supplies. In Poland, Aquael is probably the undisputed market leader in aquatics. Exports account for 67 per cent of overall sales, while private label products account for roughly 10 per cent.
The company's business partners abroad are looked after by a team of five in the export department in Warsaw, along with three staff members to cover the German-speaking countries. Aquael employs five field sales staff in Poland, where its products feature on the shelves of virtually every pet store. Four sales advisers are also employed in the company's German sales office located close to Düsseldorf. Product range Aquael made its reputation internationally as a manufacturer of aquarium accessories. Its range extends from aquarium filters via heaters and lighting hoods to fully equipped aquarium sets and aerators. The Aquael group markets two aquarium product brands, Aquael at the higher/professional end of the market and Aqua Szut for the entry-level and beginners' segment.
At the start of 2011, the Aquael Group acquired the well-known pet accessories brand Pet Inn from Italian company Feberplast. The brand covers products for dogs, cats, small animals and birds, such as transport boxes, cages, bowls, beds, cushions, toilets and many other items. Another accessories brand is Comfy, under which the company markets bowls, toys, collars and leads, cat litter and pet care products. The construction of wind turbines and solar lamps constitutes another, more recent line of business for the Aquael Group.

Three Polish plants At its headquarters in Warsaw, the company manufactures food for aquarium and pond fish. This is sold under the Acti brand. The range is being expanded to include dog and cat food and treats. Accessories for other pets are manufactured in another factory in Borne Sulinowo, close to Stettin in north-western Poland. Aquael's biggest…