Creating hardware in a complex world: Made in Europe
After several years of searching and false starts, I am extremely pleased to say, that our affiliated company, Punkt. has finally secured a partner with a solid, efficient and highly experienced European manufacturing base.
Punkt. was founded in 2008 with the desire of making all of its products in Europe.
Punkt. set-off on this route, seeking partnerships with manufacturing partners in Switzerland and its surrounding countries, aware of course, that China was already the world´s hardware manufacturer, and cementing that position by the day. But still, it was thought important to nurture specialist capabilities, and have a local ecosystem of competence.
The business achieved mixed success with this chosen path. Some products were made with a fantastic company in Veneto, Italy, but incurred challenges with other suppliers that ultimately left no choice but to manufacture in China.
Learning through complexity: the MP 01 and the limits of global production
The complex supply chain required for Punkt.’s first minimalist mobile phone in 2014, the MP 01, meant there were no false hopes, and a Chinese manufacturer was contracted from the beginning, it was simply the only feasible place go. In a world that was at full-tilt with Smartphone manufacturing, the MP 01 was a very difficult project to realise at a production level, due to the gap of understanding the core concept itself, to the design and required quality. A techno-cultural gap.
Much has changed since. Chinese manufacturing is no longer as price competitive, and much of the lower-end production has moved to more cost-effective countries. China itself has become a tech behemoth, with manufacturing and supply chain sophistication deeply entrenched.
A new chapter: Gigaset, Vtech, and the rebirth of European production
Last year, the VTech Group, a well-established tech leader based in Hong Kong, completed its purchase of the German company Gigaset, a German household name, known for its precision manufacturing. VTech fully understand the exceptional qualities and capabilities of Gigaset, which they have not only embraced, but together will develop even further, with increased levels of innovation.
So what does Made in Europe mean for Apostrophy?
Integrating capability and values
Together with VTech, Gigaset and Punkt., Apostrophy will now integrate into further market leading products made with complete control and transparency that serve us all. Compelling products that bring a fresh perspective and intentionality, an alternative choice to enjoy, and allow us to feel more secure in a challenging world.
Together with VTech, Gigaset and Punkt., Apostrophy will now integrate into further market leading products made with complete control and transparency that serve us all. Compelling products that bring a fresh perspective and intentionality, an alternative choice to enjoy, and allow us to feel more secure in a challenging world.
A milestone of intention, a promise for the future
This milestone for Punkt. fulfils an intention to produce highest quality goods, made in Europe, and together with Apostrophy, to serve its discerning customer base across the world.
We think it’s a perfect partnership, absolutely in-line with a brave new world in modern day tech production. And we look forward to seeing Apostrophy powering an exciting portfolio of products for Punkt. in the months and years to come.
