Can you tell us the company’s history and background?
Of course. We started in the year 1998. We began as an ordinary kindergarten resource center supplying educational toys, playground, classroom furniture, indoor play equipment, sports equipment, art materials etc. We supply these goods to tadika and taska, enrichment centers, childcare centers, clinics, hospitals, hotels and housing estates.
Initially, we source our equipments from local distributors, and in the year 2008, we started our own manufacturing divisions where we’re able to manufacture our own classroom furniture. After that, we became the sole distributor for several well-known educational brands from overseas, namely Famosa International, where they produce the finest quality outdoor and indoor playground equipments. In addition, we also import quality wooden educational toys from Taiwan, China and Thailand.
Seeing the success of our brand, we were being approached to set up similar concept in other areas in Malaysia, where they uses the Lafonis name and carry all the products that we market into their areas.
That’s very impressive. What inspired the founder of the company to start this business? Do tell us more about the founder.
Our founder, Mdm. Sherry, is highly educated and holds an Advance Diploma in Business Marketing. She had attended many seminars on early childhood education and is also a trainer as well as a network builder in educational Multi-Level Marketing. Her passion for educational products had inspired her to set up a company that could relate to her interest i.e. education. Her love for educational products has also inspired her 3 children to work hand in hand with her. Michele holding a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration handles the Finance & Accounting division, Andrew holds a degree in Psychology gets himself involved in the education division where he designs his own concept, the Milestone Approach to Toys for children sets up his own playschool, called the 1st Milestone Playschool, where he uses the 8 Skills Development Approach to enhance children to learn at a young age of 18 months and above. Andrew being a practitioner in Play Therapy also plays with children and has attended multiple seminars and courses in Handling Learning Disorder in Children, and the last Elaine, is in her 3rd year in University undergoing the course of Creative Industry & Designing.
What about the products your company is selling? What are the major products by Lafonis?
Our major types of products are creative wooden manipulative products, outdoor and indoor playgrounds and teaching aids products.
In that case, what makes your products unique compared to other similar products?
What makes us stand out from other competitors is our unique Milestone Approach, where we select suitable toys that are relevant to the children’s milestones.
Have your products received any certification or industry awards?
Yes, all of our products received the ISO certification that is in line with the Government’s requirement.
What about the responses from parents about your products?
Oh, the response from parents has been great! Many parents like to have the choice of purchasing toys that are not only age-appropriate, but also suitable to their child’s milestones. This gives the great opportunity of assisting the child’s development.
What is the future plan for your company? Do you have any market expansion plan? Have you ever considered setting up an online store?
Oh, yes. Opening up an online store is one of our market expansion plans.
What are the biggest challenges facing the sector you are in? How did your company deal with these challenges?
In terms of what we do, our biggest challenge is imitation products. There are many imitators of similar products and they sell it a much lower price and most of the time, just to spoil the market. What we do to handle this challenge is to make sure we have the in-depth knowledge of educational products so we’re able to select suitable and effective products that would serve the objective of building early childhood development.
Okay. Thank you so much for your time.
You’re welcome. Thank you for the opportunity as well.
Website: www.lafonis.com.my
Address: 7231, Jalan Permatang Pauh, Kawasan Perindustrian Mak Mandin, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +604-323 8692