"Most of our business has been one-off work, where we design and manufacture brackets for vehicles we haven't yet listed in our database. This is the sort of work we really enjoy, but we've had lots of requests for a version of our bracket system which can be ordered ex-stock, and we've realized there are a large number of potential customers who are happy to do the measuring and fitting for themselves, provided they can be assured of a really professional finished product."
The new "Multi-Fit" range promises to meet the needs of this market elegantly. A customer can order a professionally finished bracket in powder coated 3.0mm alloy for as little as $60AUD. There are currently seven styles available - each one specifically designed to fit one of the seven major Australian number plate styles. They are supplied with comprehensive instructions and a range of fittings to enable a competent home handyman, or the local mechanic, to produce a perfectly fitting bracket for almost any vehicle.
Both the original range of Vehicle-Specific brackets and the new Multi-Fit range fill a niche market, not catered for by either manufacturers, dealerships or other after-market suppliers. A patent is pending on the concept and design of the brackets.
Philip commented on the development process for the new range.
"The standard approach has been to provide some sort of plastic plate with a matrix of holes and slots, in the hope that it can be adapted to fit in most cases. We abhor this approach. Our cars are made up of thousands of parts which have been engineered to fit together perfectly. Why do we throw that philosophy out of the window when we put the finishing touch on our vehicles with our number plates - especially when a lot of us are prepared to spend hundreds of dollars on personalized, plates? We had no intention of producing yet another one-size-fits-
The brackets are quite remarkable in their simplicity. In the case of the existing, Vehicle-Specific range, each one is tailor made for the vehicle for which it is ordered. It matches the curve of the vehicle's mounting panel or bumper; it is pre-drilled with holes which exactly match the manufacturer's mounting points, and it is supplied with fittings tailored to make installation a no-brainer.
At just over $200AUD/pair delivered, it's no wonder they are in such high demand; especially as they are truly hand-made items. It's a small price for an enthusiast to pay to add the final touch of "completeness"
The new Multi-Fit range is manufactured to the same exacting standards.
"We're very pleased with the end result of our work on this new product. Now, as well as our expanding Vehicle-Specific range, we also have a product available at a lower cost which suits customers who like to do some of the work themselves. We look forward to this product being an even bigger hit with fellow car enthusiasts."
For more information on the products mentioned here, as well as anything to do with mounting your number plates you can visit the Lakin Custom Plate Brackets web site at http://lakinplates.com
