Loblite, based in Gateshead, on the Team Valley Trading Estate, manufacture weatherproof electrical accessories and electronic protection devices.
As a relatively small company, review meetings are held regularly and often informally, culminating in a structured 6 weekly product development meeting.
After reviewing the products from one of their major competitors, Loblite became aware that their products could be, and would need to be, improved if they were to capitalise on the opportunities available in their marketplace and to overcome pressure from competition.
In order to try and capture additional market share, a decision was made to re-develop and expand an existing product, in preference to developing a new product entirely, in order to maximise opportunities while minimising risk and necessary investment.
Already on the market, the Aquatec range of weatherproof switches and sockets was selling mainly in the UK. This was due to the limitations of plug sizes and shapes which differ from country to country.
It was at this point that a 'Global Perspective' changed the nature and scope of the product range completely. By designing the core product with an interchangeable plug insert, a variety of options were made possible, enabling the product to simply and cheaply cater for most plug configurations used throughout the world. In this way, their marketplace immediately became global.
Through clever use of the core product mouldings, a variety of additional product options were possible with little additional cost. By moulding part of the casework in transparent polycarbonate, a switched unit was possible, allowing the user to see whether the socket is on or off. In addition to socket options, an RCD (trip switch) was also produced through the simple and cost effective process of designing a small insert to include with the core product mouldings.
Development was undertaken with sensible haste, while protecting the concept with a Patent. This was done with the help of a Patent Agent, who was able to advise on any Patents currently in force, and assist with the filing of the Patent application. Prototypes were produced quickly using one of the range of 'Rapid Prototyping' processes available today, allowing a number of highly accurate production simulations to be made for evaluation and testing.
From concept inception to market, this product development process took around nine months, with all production tooling being undertaken in house at Loblite.
The product has undoubtedly been successful, almost doubling the company turnover in this product sector. Loblite attribute this success to the global approach to the design and development of this product, and the efficient way in which this new market has been exploited.
As a niche market manufacturer, the focus is now on other global market opportunities that can be capitalised on.
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