Zirkon's approach to market is epitomized in the relationship it has with Garwood Monitor Systems, where it has worked jointly with them on the APM series of in-ear monitoring. The APM Series comprises three products - APM 200/400 main stations, APM 12 dual stereo headphone amplifier and the APM 31 3-channel headphone amplifier. Using headphones, in-ear monitors or a mixture of both, the APM Series gives the user the benefits of greatly simplified wiring, high audio quality and individual mix balancing by the musician, along with the freedom from both batteries and mains cables on the stage.
Originally created to provide contract electronic manufacturing services, Zirkon has effectively provided Garwood with a value-added partnership approach to the manufacture, production, test and distribution of the APM series. This allows both companies to concentrate on doing what they do best - Garwood to develop, market and sell the audio products, and Zirkon to provide the manufacturing arm, whilst also offering advice on the development of current and future projects.
Although the initial approach from Garwood was for low volume manufacturing with free issue material, as demand for the APM Series grew, the relationship was developed further, with Zirkon now responsible for the sourcing of all material, circuit boards, assembly, testing and distribution.
As a result of the relationship with Zirkon, Garwood is now, in effect, a multi-site company, with offices in London, The Netherlands and Belgium. Zirkon will also be working with Garwood on the future design and development of the APM Series, production of which is projected to increase significantly over the next 12 months. Zirkon's contract manufacturing skills have been applied to other areas too, ranging from electromechanical to wire-free communications for companies such as Anglian, Box Telematics, Dor-O-Matic, Stannah Stairlifts, Severn Trent Metering Services, Trelleborg Automotive and Stoneridge Electronics.
