2014 has been kind to us, bountiful even, and we’re working on providing even more to the local industry by way of our specialty products. If you’ve just joined us, take a quick look at our “Resolution for Growth” blog post:
https://www.barnlight.au/barn-light-australia/2014-barn-light-australias-resolution-for-growth/
1) We’re going to create more Australian jobs by investing into our local industry.
-> Powder coating
We’ve started a fully fledged powder coating system which has increased our efficiency from a five day wait time to two-three days. While the benefits are numerous, we’re especially excited to learn that our metallic colours (Natural Silver, Vintage Silver, and Burnished Copper) have been more popular than we anticipated. Our 910-Vintage Silver is currently one of our top sellers, unfortunately our 305-Jadite has been less popular which we’re chalking up to a passing fashion of Teal from 2013.
Shown Left to Right; 900-Natural Silver, 930-Burnished Copper, and 105-Textured Black
-> Chromating
We’ve found a local chromater who is enthusiastic in taking smaller orders, something that most chromaters were not typically willing to assist us with. For that reason we’ve been able to decrease our lead-time for our Atomic, Sydney, and related Cast Guard & Glass products. One thing that will set apart cheaper products from ours apart from price is the quality of the powder coating, chromating is a necessary step that most companies skip.
2) Expand on our already large product range.
-> Sign Lights
We’re admittedly still working on these and frankly the cost of importing these fixtures is so high the cost efficiency is in negative numbers. We’re still able to source sign-lights, however the average cost per unit is AU$299 after shipping is taken into account. Not cheap by any means, but definitely unique compared to available offerings in Australia. On that topic, there is a chance we may start making our own sign-lights in future.
-> Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
One thing we’ve worked out is how requested these lamps are. Beloved by lighting designers and retailers we’ve had to start selling these lamps wholesale. Our next batch will include a silver/chrome reflective bottom to assist those in the food industry working under lights. This feature reduces the glare while providing a softer ambiance in the room. Gold reflective bottoms will also be available once we work out some kinks in the finish. All finishes are applied within the bulb so there is no chance of food contamination. Take a look at our current listing for our Nostalgic Edison LED Light bulb via our Barn Light website, we’ve just added B22d fittings which covers Australia’s most popular connection type.
-> Industrial Decor
Our first prototype will arrive early this month, we’re simply awaiting an opportunity to draw up our specification sheets and website listings before going opening to the public. As Barn Light Australia is a much more rustic lighting business than most, we’ll be supplying the hardware necessary to produce said furniture which will allow you to choose your preferred timber/material. We’ll have more details once our shipment arrives!
Choose your colour, buy your timber from a local supplier, grab a drill, done!
-> Industrial Chandeliers
If you’ve been wanting to swap out the ugly halogen downlights over the kitchen bench or otherwise spruce up the bar, you’ll want to take a look at our The Alliance Industrial Barn Light Chandelier available now on our website. With the unique ability of being a two, three, four, five, or six light chandelier, we’ve got your next project covered. They’re available with all the standard options that our Atomic Barn Lights have available.
Take a look at what one of our customers managed to fit up last month.
3) Improve upon our delivery times from the USA
Unfortunately we’ve incurred huge losses from importing from the USA, enough that we’ve had to reduce our imports to less than 10% of our normal volume. The disparity of the US dollar to our own, higher full surcharges and even the costs of local duties and taxes mean that we order only upon customer requests where we cannot provide an acceptable alternative. For that reasons we’re starting to bring our manufacturing of shades, specifically metal spinning here to Melbourne using a local company to create the molds and provide us an Australian made product.
4) Customer Reviews
With so many changes going on we haven’t been able to adequately prepare emails to customers requesting their new installations, however we’re working on an automated system to do just that early next month.
We’re well on our way to improving our lighting designs and we’re proud to announce the following additions to our manufacturing abilities.
5) Metal Spinning / New Shades / New Styles
Our industry contacts put us on to a notable, local metal spinner with over 50 years of combined experience to provide us with new products and services to enhance our current product offerings.
We’ll be starting by releasing Barn Light Electric’s Mini-Eclipse Wall Lights (Straight Arm) along with an extension to the Mini Liberty Wall Light, once we’re operational. The greatly reduced price of manufacturing will enable us to provide you the same high quality barn lights at a more affordable price.
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6) Spray painting
Unfortunately due to the nature of our (quality) products, we’ve experienced an overall slow return of our product from our spray painting partners and consequently we’ve dropped the ball on some customers due to extended waiting periods. Given the high startup cost of purchasing a spray booth, associated protective instruments, and even paint itself ($40 for 4ltr!) we tried to make it work without the investment. Alas we bit the bullet this week and after a bit of fiddling will start spray painting our own products from the 1st of April.
7) Australian Made
The iconic Green & Gold Kangaroo will soon adorn our products where the manufacturing content exceeds 51%. We’ll be sure to make you aware by sticking the noble kangaroo on each product page to show which product to support.
Copyright: Australian Made Campaign Limited
If you’ve got a question about how we do business or would like to know more about Barn Light Australia’s product range, feel free to contact us via our website, phone, or email.
0499 635 473
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
[email protected]
Jesse-Lee Stringer
Managing Director
