From the idea to the start of production

markilux products are planned meticulously. And that is certainly also true of the cassette awning MX-3, the result of around two years of development work

Generally speaking, ideas for new products don't just fall from the sky and it is rare for a new product to follow a vision in its pure form. Usually the creation of a new product involves a longer process of exact observation and analysis which ultimately results in something new. At least this is what markilux says of the path its products take until they are launched. And that also holds true of the new MX-3 from the awning specialist. The most crucial part of this process is thinking the product through from the customer's point of view.

The MX-3 is the latest model from markilux. The cassette awning was launched at the beginning of the year and is a further continuation of the company's range of designer awnings. Nevertheless, every new model is the result of a lengthy analysis process which takes place before development can start. “We worked on the idea of the MX-3 for nearly two years before we could start production,” explains Michael Gerling, Director of R&D and Production. Although this kind of process is initiated even earlier than that. It all starts with an analysis of the market and an investigation into what customers are actually looking for because, according to Michael Gerling, all products are developed from the customer’s point of view. “Suitable ideas are looked at in our R&D meetings. Every month, we compare them to demand in the market. As soon as there is any form of overlap, the team checks to see whether the company's expertise can come up with the best, fastest, most innovative and most unique product idea”. Mr Gerling adds: “Then we start looking at the details, by determining market prices, quantities and tool costs. Our construction engineers only get the go-ahead when the idea, demand, uniqueness and costs form a homogeneous whole.”
 
MX-3, an awning with new colour options
For the MX-3, the company first asked itself what a new awning would have to have to to generate appreciable sales figures. The developers soon came to an agreement: the triad of technology, shape and cover had to be given a special touch, something the likes of which had never been seen before. And, in addition, the new model should be easy to personalize. “To this end, To this end, our designers and specialists went in search of trends at trade fairs and on other trips and collected ideas and inspiration for both what a new awning and appropriate fabrics could look like,” explains Michael Gerling. This pool of inspiration ultimately turned into a specific idea which was the result of the collaboration of several departments. The idea was to have a cassette awning with a timeless design that divulged little of its superior technology, an awning which would be an eye-catcher both in its shape and particularly in its colour.

Curved front styling panel is a first
Because defining what you are with a colour is a strong trend according to Mr Gerling. This trend varies between restrained colours and bold colours that get noticed. “That fits in perfectly with the style elements of the portfolio of our corporate group,” says Gerling and explains, “On the one hand, we offer subdued lounge colours for the awnings, combined with textured, timeless, plain fabrics. On the other, however, there is also a range of colourful awning fabrics, coupled with the option of boldly emphasising the awning framework with colourful features.” This was exactly where the company discovered a tweaking point to give the new MX-3 its unique look: in the form of a coloured panel which surrounds the cassette with soft curves on the sides. This design feature, available in eight colours, is the difference between the MX-3 and other products: a first in terms of design and a challenge in terms of technology because of the filigree construction.

A good 40 steps to the new product
Although otherwise the shape of the MX-3 should be timeless, the overall impression was that it should be graceful, very wide and with cleverly concealed fixture brackets. Along with the coloured styling panel, the model was also to feature a new lighting element in the shape of an LED line or alternatively LED spotlights under the cassette. “In terms of the look and technology, it was once more important for us to opt for design and convenience albeit with the remit of combining this with an attractive market price, because good design and quality should not only feature in the top price category,” says Mr Gerling. To visualize such ideas for new products and to gain true clarity about dimensions and proportions, markilux has been using 3D printing for some years now. This has made it possible to accelerate the development phase. Once a decision has been made regarding shape, dimensions and design, first prototypes are made, accompanied by a number of correcting steps in the fine tuning as well as tests in the company's own test laboratory. “In the case of the MX-3, it took around 40 process steps until it was ready to go into serial production. It is inevitably a long journey from a product’s initial inception, but it is always exciting waiting to see the final result. A well-coordinated team works a long time to achieve just that. And, when at the end of the day you end up with something like the new MX-3, all the effort has definitely been worth it,” says a happy Michael Gerling.

For further information, please visit: markilux.com

markilux stands for “Design Made in Germany”, innovative new products and excellent quality in the exterior solar protection sector. Since 1972 folding-arm awnings, conservatory awnings and vertical blinds have been produced at its manufacturing facility in Emsdetten, northern Germany. The high-quality products are distributed by professional partners in Germany and abroad. About 1,000 selected companies assure the high qualitative standards during the assembly of the awnings.

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conzept3
An der Alten Ziegelei 34
D-48157 Münster
Fon: +49 (0) 251-1347740
Fax: 49 (0) 251-1347738
info@conzept3.de
www.conzept3.de

This release was published on openPR.