Shaan Eyeworks and Shaan Labworks have announced that its two groups will rebrand as Shaan. The move reflects a new direction for the company as it prepares for the retirement of its founder and managing director, Mr. Neil McColl, and secures a promising exclusive distribution arrangement with Hoya.
Shaan’s General Manager, Mr. Aaron McColl says the new company brand comes as a result of the group’s evolution over its 28 year history.
“Eight years ago, when we started the lab, it made sense to distinguish it from the original company Shaan Eyeworks, so we started Shaan Laboratories. However over time, we’ve always referred to ourselves as Shaan so I figured it was time to go back to basics and keep our message simple,” said Mr McColl.
Shaan grinds and fits lenses on site at its Brisbane lab and also sources grinding and multi-coating production from overseas. The company claims to distribute more branded product than any independent lab in Australia.
Eight years ago, when we started the lab, it made sense to distinguish it from the original company Shaan Eyeworks, so we started Shaan Laboratories. However over time, we’ve always referred to ourselves as Shaan so I figured it was time to go back to basics and keep our message simple
“We currently supply Essillor, Hoya, Zeiss, Sol and Younger lenses and coatings.”
Shaan is the only laboratory in Australia to supply Hoya product other than Hoya itself. This agreement was reached about midway through 2010 and as a result, the company carries a select range of ‘amplitude’ semi finished progressive lenses. Carrying the range in stock enables Shaan to provide a fast turnaround on hard-coated orders. All multi-coat order requests for Hoya’s amplitude lenses are coated by Hoya themselves and have a turnaround time of approximately five days. Amplitude is available in short and long corridor and is essentially the generic version of Hoya’s ever popular ‘Summit’ series of progressives.
Mr. Craig Johnston, National Retail Business Manager at Hoya says the arrangement with Shaan is exclusive for 12 months and, depending on Shaan’s success with amplitude, could be extended. “We’re also looking at distributing Hoya Safety lenses through Shaan in the very near future,” he said.
Shaan recently appointed a new National Sales Manager. Mr. Peter Murphy has moved to Shaan from Transitions where he was a Product Consultant in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. A qualified dispenser with experience managing and working in both large and independent practices, he has also been involved with sales and marketing for international businesses and his own small business.
The Managing Director and founder of Shaan, Mr. Neil McColl, will retire in December and his son Aaron will step in as the Chief Executive Officer, reporting to a newly formed board of directors. Mr. Aaron McColl joined the company in 2002 having worked with a multinational logistics company and is looking forward to his new role.
“It’s a complicated industry and there is an overwhelming amount to learn but I’m committed and really excited by the prospect of taking Shaan to the next level over the decades to come.”