By Oliver ODHIAMBO
When I first met Mr. Ashwin Bhojak sometime in late 2011, I was impressed by his vast knowledge and experience and enthusiasm in as far as manufactured boards and panels are concerned.
Little did I think his forceful revelation that Laxcon was going to revolutionize the boards and panels market would soon turn into an unmistakable reality.
It may have looked like a long shot or hopeful conjecture, but you don’t take it for granted, especially when the man making these utterances is a respected industry player in this region.
“This market will surely look to us for quality, because what we intend to bring to this market will definitely transform the interior design and fittings industry for our clients,” he told me as we explored the possible impact of the products to be launched.
“We are bringing Egger boards and panels closer home because it is time everyone obtained some real quality in this segment of the market,” he said passionately.
“I can assure you Egger is the next big thing, Oliver. Just watch this space.”
And true to his word, a few months down the line, Egger is selling like hotcake. When I visited the premise at Apex Business Centre on Mombasa Road, I had to convince myself that indeed the rapid growth of the Laxcon Boards and Panels Division was no mere talk. The market had responded to Egger products like a bush fire and now Ashwin was having to deal with the pressure of orders from across the region.
“Welcome, Oliver. It is a pleasure to have you finally come to our premises,” Mr. Ashwin said as he ushered me to the reception. He introduced me to the team members who were more than eager to engage me.
For sure, I could see the customer care aspect of the business was already top-notch, for a division that was yet to last a little over one year. One by one, he offered to explain what roles they play, and I was pleased by the amount of work that had gone into bringing together such a professional team.
In a little while, Mr. Ashwin handed me over to the Operations-in-charge, Mr Falgun Bhojak who later turned out to be an amazing salesman. He took me on a tour of the premise, and my mouth was agape at the warehouse, packed to the brim with all assortments of boards and panels from Egger. For sure, it was clearer in my mind now that Mr. Ashwin hadn’t been joking about this when we had earlier discussed the idea.
The gigantic warehouse was just a scratch on the surface, Falgun said, and there was sufficient supply elsewhere in a storage warehouse within the city. He told me the demand for the boards was immense and so the company couldn’t take anything for granted. Stocking apparently was the only way out.
Falgun took me through the tour, one step at a time, explaining with such expertise, every variety of the products, ensuring I understood why Egger is one of the world’s leading brands in terms of quality.
“For sure Oliver, Egger is so respected in Europe, Asia and the Americas. This will truly transform the market here in our backyard. Clients can now have boards that can outlast their expectations,” Falgun said as we moved to the next lot of boards.
He also quickly revealed, just as Ashwin had mentioned to me, that the company goes beyond just selling the boards and panels. Additionally, the company helps its clients with the design ideas and also in the optimization on the usage of the boards. This enables the client to cut on costs and also enables the usage of the use of the board with minimal wastage.
Mr. Ashwin has thus employed a designer with a proper understanding of the boards and panels concept, and can help in the design of any item that a client would want to make using the boards. Good advice is the key component here, Mr. Ashwin says as he finally ushers me to the boardroom for the interview once we are through with the tour.
He introduces me to Peter Mungai, who is in charge of design, Susan Mwaniki and Catherine, who are in charge of marketing as well as Falgun, who had earlier taken me on a tour of the premise.
“Whatever you saw at the reception has been conceptualized and designed by our internal team led by Mr. Mungai,” Mr. Ashwin offered as we got comfortable for the interview. “We want our clients to be able to see what our boards can do, once they step into the reception area.”
“We are striving to be the one-stop-shop in as far as boards, panels, flooring and accessories are concerned.” He revisited the value addition principle, saying it is important that clients use boards appropriately to avoid wastage and therefore save up to 20 per cent on the overall cost. His team ensures this is possible.
Egger boards come at a more robust 9 ft by 7 ft, which is a bit bigger than the standard 8 ft. x 4 ft. and 9 ft. by 6 ft. boards in the market. This, he says, enables for better utilization.
So far, clients have posted positive feedback and have signaled their satisfaction saying Egger is a very reliable brand. Ashwin says he will continue to take cognizance of this precious trust that is emanating from the market to make Egger the number one brand in the region.
“On quality, you must know that Egger as a brand is far superior to any other brand that is currently in this market, yet the cost is as affordable as it can get and clients get value for money.” Falgun explains as we get deeper into the interview. “The surface finish is thicker, and the board has a stronger substrate with superior water resistance properties.
You will find any finish you want, be it wood grain, glossy, textured or uni-color melamine faced. They are all available.”
As we finish, Ashwin explains that the division will bring Egger flooring in 2013 to continue offering the market a broader range of products. “We are striving to be the one-stop-shop in as far as boards, panels, flooring and accessories are concerned.”
Later, I bid the team goodbye and head out. For sure, I am convinced now that Egger is here for the long haul and is set to revolutionalize the industry as Ashwin had hinted in 2011.
On quality, you must know that Egger as a brand is far superior to any other brand that is currently in this market, yet the cost is as affordable as it can get and clients get value for money
