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therefore minimal revenue. Although the well-established distribution model in Europe does a great job for many, it is somewhat tailored for the larger brands, where the demand already exists. It is difficult for many overseas manufacturers to understand the expectations and requirements of a foreign market – some just can’t fathom why they are not doing better, even if it might seem obvious to someone used to being in the market. That is why I started Lucid Electronics, to support companies looking to make the next step and would benefit from some external guidance.
What makes you different?
It is the combination of services on offer that makes Lucid stand out, as we merge the roles of consultant, sales agent and supply-chain partner. For our partners, the manufacturers, we provide the local market knowledge to assist in the development of a sales and marketing strategy; the role of a consultant. We oversee the implementation of the agreed strategy and coordinate any local third- party agencies employed for web, marketing or PR-type services. In parallel, we act as a sales agent, an extension to the manufacturer’s sales force, working with distribution partners, as well as OEM customers, to promote the manufacturers brand name. Then, if it’s required, we provide supply-chain support by holding stock and handling the physical distribution of the product, on behalf of the manufacturer. We work with a range of
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Well, I have been in the switch, sensor, relay and connector markets all my life, so this is the core focus, albeit there are other product groups that overlap and are therefore of interest. In terms of electromechanical switches, we offer rocker, snap action, pushbutton and toggle, standard and fully customised, in their raw form or as part of an assembly, or component carrier. We also offer innovative versions of ‘old favourites’. For example, we are working with a manufacturer of electromechanical pushbutton switches with on-board ‘debounce’ circuitry. This eliminates the chance of contact bounce at switch level, so makes the switches perfect for use in high-speed digital electronic circuits. In the growing sensor market, we offer
a very broad range incorporating reed, hall, capacitive, ultrasonic, magnetostrictive and LVDT technology.
Components in Electronics April 2018 35
manufacturers – from start-up’s, to large corporates with multi-billion USD turnover. For our clients, whether a distributor or OEM, we bridge the gap between the manufacturer and the customer, providing local design-in, technical support and after- sales service. By working with only a small selected group of non-competing manufacturers, we are able to commit the time and effort needed to develop a sustainable and long-term business – I know from experience, there are typically very few quick wins in our industry!
Which product types are you focussing on?
What engineering and manufacturing expertise do you offer?
Our supplier base has extensive application engineering know-how and expertise, which means we can quickly work through the design, development and prototype phases, even if we are talking about an entirely custom solution. In-depth, market- specific engineering and material know- how means that we are also capable of serving demanding markets such as, for example, Hazardous Area, where specific approvals and certifications are a must. In terms of manufacturing capabilities, stamping, moulding, soldering & welding, tooling, potting and laser printing, are all at our disposal. We are very focussed on being able to offer fully and semi-custom, in addition to standard solutions.
Which markets do you serve? Both the switch and sensor products we
are involved with are used within many markets such as industrial controls, automotive, marine, off-highway vehicles, HEVAC, ticketing and vending, automation, security, medical, hazardous area, food and beverage, and appliances.
What are your plans for the future?
For the remainder of 2018, we will be working closely with our existing supplier and customer base, as we look to build on the foundations set since the company was formed in September 2016. We are working hard to put together a complimentary product range that adds genuine value to both distribution and OEM customer groups, so I hope to make additions before the end of the year. We have exciting plans for the future, so also look forward to expanding the team, as we look to secure new customers throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
www.lucidelectronics.com
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