THE BEGINNINGS
The adventure begins in October 1989 when Franck Douville, a young conscript of 24 years just finishing his military service, decides to venture into a field then unfashionable: that of specialized mail-order sales.
Franck sets up his business in his parents' garage, and with their help publishes the first mail-order catalog specialized in military equipment.
Originally, the company was named USMC for Uncle Sam's Military Catalog, but also because of the famous United States Marine Corps, through which Franck sees a goal to achieve: to provide the armed forces with the best equipment, as quickly as possible, everywhere in the world.
THE SPECIALIZATION
In 1996, the day after President Jacques Chirac announced a major Defense reform (including the transition to a professional army), Franck decided to stop selling military surplus and focus exclusively on marketing new, latest-generation professional equipment for members of the armed forces and law enforcement.
In 2000, the company launched its first E-commerce site usmcpro.com, allowing Defense and Security professionals to order their equipment online for the first time in France. A few years later, USMC became USMC PRO and began offering its services to public sector administrations.
THE PREFERRED PARTNER OF OUR ARMED FORCES
Administrative sales are increasing to such an extent that Franck decides to set up a new full-time team to meet the needs of public sector actors, both for operational purchases and emergency procurement, Adapted Procedure Markets, or National Tender Calls.
The company wins numerous tenders for various administrations, thus supplying many pieces of equipment, such as combat uniforms for Special Forces, hydration packs for troops in Afghanistan, flashlights for the National Police, telescopic batons for Operation Sentinel...
A FAMILY STORY
In 2012, Charlotte and Antoine, daughter and son of the founder, joined the family venture with a new vision for the company: to become the leading pure player specialized in the Defense sector.
Thanks to their innovative ideas, the company abandoned paper catalog sales in order to accelerate its development in Ecommerce and strengthen its logistical expertise, while placing a particular emphasis on meeting the administrative needs of the public sector and local communities.
USMCPRO BECOMES Welkit
In 2015, the company changed its name to put an end to the confusion some customers had with the US Marines. USMC PRO then became Welkit.
Welkit is a contraction of two English words: Well (very good) + Kit (military equipment). USMC PRO's green reticle was replaced by a yellow "check mark" in the "W" that symbolizes the company's unique expertise: providing Professional Solutions no matter what your mission is and wherever you are. The dot of the "i" symbolizes the company's good responsiveness and quick service.
AND NOW?
Today, Welkit continues its development by perfecting its expertise. Always focused on online sales of equipment for defense and security professionals, the company positions itself as a specialist and emphasizes customer service and offerings.
We continue to supply the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior by responding directly or by participating in national tenders, such as the one for the renewal of semi-automatic pistols for the French forces awarded to the company Glock, as a distributor of the brand of the new holster of the French army included in the market.
