With seven lucky winners in tow, PE recently headed to Dublin for our joint 40th birthday celebrations with ROBUS. Here, we report on why it proved to be an education in more than just lighting.
In the summer of last year, this esteemed publication, in conjunction with lighting giants ROBUS, launched a very special competition for our readers that would see a select group of electrical professionals given the full royal treatment in the form of an all-expenses paid trip to Dublin, taking in the impressive ROBUS headquarters along the way and concluding with a typical Irish knees-up and a drop or two of βthe black stuffβ!
With both PE and ROBUS blowing out the candles on 40 years in business in 2024, the entry criteria was based around a word that is synonymous with the two brands β quality β with readers tasked with sharing their images and giving their own explanations of what βqualityβ means to them.
Following a painstaking judging process, which saw the significant pool of entries narrowed down to a magnificent seven, the lucky winners β Keith Sharman, Al Jamaloodeen, Suzy May & Nick Blakeley, William Culleton, Martyn Hopley and Chris Burnett β were soon departing from various corners of the UK to The Emerald Isle, where they would embark upon a 24-hour education in all things ROBUS, and the wonderful city of Dublin, as part of a trip that will live long in the memories of each delegate.
Before we share some of our experiences from the visit, however, itβs important to understand the history of ROBUS as a brand.
Established in 1984, The LED Group is the largest Irish lighting company in the world with a long and proud tradition of commercial success and relationships across Ireland, the UK, Europe, UAE and Australasia. It is a member of the EMDA in Ireland, The Lighting Association and LIA in the UK and the Lighting Council in Australia, illustrating the organisationβs dedication to meeting, and exceeding, worldwide industry standards.
Worldwide reach
The ROBUS brand of lighting products and solutions, sold through the electrical wholesale market, has earned a reputation for energy efficient commercial and residential solutions, supported by βqualityβ customer service in more than 40 countries around the world.
Although Dublin is home to ROBUSβ 10,000 sq metre head office and distribution centre, the brand casts its net much further with established distribution sites and offices in the UK, Australia, China, France, Benelux, South Africa, New Zealand and the Middle East, servicing over 3,000 stockists and tens of thousands of installers.
The Dublin site, in addition to housing a significant proportion of ROBUSβ talented and friendly personnel, regularly hosts scores of delegates β whether that be end user electrical installers and contractors, or wholesale/retail customers β all in the name of helping them to become better acquainted with ROBUSβ history, culture, services, products and people.
So, how did we get on, and were Irish eyes still smiling once the curtain came down on the experience?
The day started with all delegates delivered to ROBUSβ HQ, where the blurry eyed individuals had the chance to meet some of their hosts for the day, and one another, while being restored with plenty of coffee and goodies. After a brief presentation on ROBUSβ back story and the itinerary for the day, Deirdre Howard, Head of Marketing, handed over to Michelle Roche, Digital Marketing Manager, who started proceedings with an introduction to the MyROBUS App.
This was carried out on an innovative digital display unit, with delegatesβ feedback welcomed throughout β a theme that would continue throughout the course of the day.
Building tour
Next up was an opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs, with a tour of some of the key departments within the company.
The Lighting Design Team headed up by Design Manager, Rory Verbrugge, was introduced to the group first. Lorena Sifuentes, Junior Lighting Designer, explained more about the teamβs ability to provide bespoke lighting designs for all kinds of spaces that would show not only what luminaires to use, but how and where to use them.
This was followed by a visit to the Customised Conversions Department, where Catherine Reid, Customised Conversions Manager, gave some really interesting insight into how their services β which involve everything from transforming a standard lighting fitting by incorporating extra features to improve its functionality, to retrofitting, cut-to-length as well as time-saving project prep work β operates and the ways it can create increased energy efficient solutions for customers. Youβd be amazed at some of the things that can be achieved and are possible through this specialist team, as we learned on the day.
Dedication to high standards
Finally, the Technical Team was last to be graced with our presence. Here Gordon Mooney, QC Technician and Jelmer Von Mauw, QC & Technical Assistant Manager, provided the delegates with a really thorough run through of the daily dedication to high standards thatβs required of a quality manufacturer, and the ways the company continually invests in this area, not least to retain its membership and compliance with the member organisations it is part of.
After a decent lunchtime feed, and a chance to digest the morningβs proceedings, the final session of the day (not in drinking terms, of course) was carried out by the New Product Development team, headed up by Head of Product, Claire Mahony, who were eager to share details of some of the latest lighting innovations that have graced the ROBUS portfolio in recent times.
End user feedback clearly forms a significant part of the product development process at ROBUS, as should be the case for any lighting brand worth its salts, and this was evidenced in the way that Ciaran Kearns, ROBUSβ NPD Graduate, was scribbling notes quicker than this humble Editor, as the group provided their thoughts on each of the presented products, and were given the chance to touch, feel and examine all of the units. The ROBUS HARBOUR EXPRESS unit, a recent PE βTop Productβ award winner, was a particular favourite with the crowd.
Amazingly, our ROBUS experience was temporarily over at this stage, having whistled by in the blink of an eye. But worry not, as some liquid refreshment and a trip to the famous Guinness Storehouse was just around the corner, which involved a tour of the iconic brand and the chance to sample a βrealβ pint.
As one with a somewhat vested interest, having the chance to nostalgically look through the evolution of the TV ads and promotional ideas that have been part of the Guinness brandβs development, was a personal highlight.
Throw in a wonderful meal to round off the day, again hosted by ROBUSβ excellent staff, and youβve got all the ingredients for a pretty awesome experience!
The ROBUS experience
Itβs not hard to understand why ROBUS has managed to establish itself as a leading lighting player over the last four decades, with a blueprint that βthe customer comes firstβ that is exemplified by the companyβs staff and their attitude towards those who may be visiting.
Each of our competition winners were thoroughly looked after, throughout a trip that was equally as fun as it was educational. To that end, a special mention must also go to the fantastic John Ford, Technical Training Manager, who accompanied and looked after the group throughout.
Johnβs willingness to answer questions, impart a bit of wisdom and find out as much as he could about the lives and working needs of the contractors in attendance, further demonstrates the ROBUS culture.
So, with brains and bellies full, itβs fair to say that weβd thoroughly recommend you make the effort if youβre offered the chance of a visit to ROBUS in the future. The only downside? Itβs over so quickly.
Still, at least it gives us a good excuse to organise another party!
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