Whirlpower
Making screwdrivers cool again
Synopsis
When they first came to us, Whirlpower were predominantly an OEM manufacturer of handtools, and more specifically screwdrivers for the European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
The main challenge of this project was to transform Whirlpower from a traditional manufacturing SME from Taiping, Taichung into an international and instantly recognisable brand of semi-professional screwdrivers.
Strategy
Throughout the course of this complete branding project, Subkarma has been regularly refining the image and strategy for Whirlpower by running yearly audits with all their international agents.
Gathering regular feedback from experts, on a yearly basis, in the market has proven invaluable for Subkarma since it has helped us determine and fine-tune Whirlpower’s brand and design direction from year on year.
Design
Whirlpower's single most successful undertaking has been the ownership and communication of its new brand color; a blue-green which has remained consistent and very prominent in all of Whirlpower's image.
In addition to a very clear and “European” color system, Subkarma has been consistently updating Whirlpower’s marketing materials, from brand image to catalogue and packaging. Using imagery and a design style that edges away from traditional hand tool manufacturers’ style, Subkarma has given the brand a distinct look and feel which appears international, professional and very powerful.
In order to support Whirlpower’s small company image with focus on quality image, Subkarma designed and created a short brand video aimed at reinforcing their brand position at the numerous trade-fairs that the client attends every year. Keeping the video short, with an equal mix of product and company culture focus, Whirlpower was able to strengthen their brand image further amongst overseas buyers.
Results
As Whirlpower’s close brand and design partner, Subkarma has focussed on communicating and executing the brand with particular focus on the largest hardware event in Europe, namely the Koln Hardware show, held every 2 years in Germany. By extending the brand image to their booth, displays and booth activities, Subkarma has made Whirlpower a major player in its field on the international scene.
One area that Subkarma has recently been focussing on with Whirlpower has been entering the rapidly growing automotive market. A relatively new market for our client, Subkarma recommended that Whirlpower shift some of their attention to this industry, and we subsequently assisted in created new imagery tailored to that market. This also included recommending that Whirlpower brand becomes associated with automotive events and players.
After more than a decade working with Whirlpower Subkarma has managed to shift the company's focus from OEM/ODM to branding.
Through applying consistent imagery and by staying in close contact with worldwide agents and market trands, Whirlpower has becoming a reputable and well recognised brand in its industry. We are proud to be associated with this case and look forward to bigger and better things in the future, together.
Subkarma has been a pleasure to work with. Their Comprehensive and creative thinking is not only limited to the design work. The various surprising ideas from the observation of the market, human nature and the brand management angle is always inspiring.
