A DM Theme Park

There are industrial parks for everything else. Why not direct marketing?

That’s part of the logic behind DM41, a business park scheduled to open this fall. Located at the French-Swiss border, it will be available for use by American firms looking to establish a beachhead in Europe.

The park will be spread over 22 communities in the region between Geneva, Switzerland and Anency, France. Several major highways converge in the area, which serves as home to several eyeglass and plastics manufacturers, and other types of firms, says Cemil Giray Alyanak, who is spearheading the effort.

Alyanak is director of 9Points, which is handling promotion for DM41. To date, two transport companies, Danzas and Jet Services, have chosen DM41 as their regional base. Poles Consulting, which specializes in helping firms deal with trans-European regulatory issues, is also offering services at the site, Alyanak notes.

A call center has also been set up for use by direct marketers, he adds. Eventually, DM41 hopes to attract list brokers, research firms, advertising agencies and direct marketers from Europe, Asia and the United States.

Need a space? Alyanak says DM41 will construct customized buildings for rental by direct marketing tenants. Financing will be provided by Sofopar, a company set up in part for that purpose.

Representing DM41 in the United States is John Schulte, chairman of the National Mail Order Association.