Defying the conventions of design and transforming homegrown pieces into luxurious home furnishings -- Locsin International is a toast to the design industry as it offers the world an exotic range of stylish and functional furniture. Perpetually acclaimed for its unique designs, Locsin’s impressive collection has been featured in international design magazines, showrooms, and became centerpieces in lavish houses across the globe.
The Locsin philosophy of design is transforming a traditional furniture into a contemporary work of art that is comfortable and elegant -- a private sanctuary for your heavenly escape.
The beginnings of Locsin International
Roberto M. Locsin, manufacturer and exporter of furniture and lamps, established Locsin International in 1979. Together with his wife, Cindelyn B. Locsin, their solid partnership led to successful business ventures in the international furniture market.
Locsins’ first business deal came unexpected. Through the many letters sent to prospected buyers, a company from Belgium replied and ordered for baskets and buri furniture at the time the company was still in the process of registration. The company’s first export order was challenging yet rewarding. Its initial export order was US$ 5, 000 – a hefty price for a company that was just starting. However, the Locsins have to ship the order in 45 days. And although the production period was limited to a month and a half, the company pushed through with the shipment by buying the baskets and buri furniture from subcontractors.
Like any other start-ups, the company had its ups and downs. However, they were very fortunate to have overcome the challenges. And now, almost 3 decades in the business, Locsin International is committed to service excellence and continues to emerge as one of the leading makers of fine quality home furniture.
Masterful craftsmanship
Diverse, functional, and innovative best describe a Locsin International creation. Extensive product research and development are needed to create one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture. Locsins’ team of designers continues to explore new materials and unconventional design concepts as it transforms into practical yet wonderful home ideas.
A lot of Locsin International’s home pieces are awarded for its superior quality and modern designs. Most of the recognitions came from various government, non-government organizations and institutions, and local and international design events.
Among the company’s list of achievements are: Golden Shell Awardee for Design Excellence (1995), Likhang Pilipino Award – Best in Design Consultancy and Likhang Pilipino Award – Bagong Sibol Award at the Philippine International Furniture Show (2003), Best Product Design at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (2003), G-Mark Award (2004), Best Booth Award at the Cebu X and the Philippine International Furniture Show (2006), and the Best Booth Award at the Manila F.A.M.E. International Katha Awards (April 2007).
Many local and international exhibitions have requested Locsin International to showcase their vast collection of impressive products. Every time Locsin International exhibits, design experts give them great reviews.
World-class Filipino designers + unconventional themes = Extraordinary pieces of furniture
A genie lamp, a melon, an onion, and even a cracked egg – these are just few inspirations which Locsin International immortalized through their furniture and home decors. The pieces may look very odd but that was the very reason why the design world goes loco over Locsins’ astonishing brand of furniture and decors.
Locsins’ unusual themes for extraordinary home pieces were a product of his team of designers’ boundless vision. Nine Filipino designers, both renowned and upcoming, have crafted ingénue pieces of furniture and home decors that were applauded in international design shows, raved by design critics, and in-demand in the international market.
Among Locsin International’s infamous home pieces were the Genie Chair and Onion by Tony Gonzales, Ampie by Val Padilla, Mactan set by Jeffrey de Leon, Nero Chaise Lounge by Robert Mose, Shinju lamps and Balboa chair by Leo Saño, Dumagat screen by Rocilyn Laccay, Elphaba chair by Regina Locsin, and Marui lamps by Pia Sta. Romana. The company’s new designer, John Atienza, is in the process of creating new pieces. Soon, his works will be showcased in Locsin International’s showroom and in international design shows.
Well-known in the design industry and have even established their own companies, these designers still find pleasure in designing for Locsin International. It was Roberto’s mission to promote Filipino craftsmanship to the international scene inspires these designers to perpetually come up with pieces that are truly world-class.
Welcoming challenges and rewards, Locsin International is grateful
The challenges in running the company were great lessons for Roberto and his team. Through these hurdles, they push themselves to achieve excellence and meet client satisfaction.
As a daily routine, Roberto sees to it that he personally checks the quality of their products. He does the rounds in the factory, inspects the furniture together with his inspectors, and often calls meeting with his supervisors and workers. He is fortunate to have his family help him in the business. Aside from his wife and his managers, his daughters, Regina and Rocilyn, assist him in the business. They also work as designers for the company.
At present, Roberto’s main problem is the sudden change in the dollar-peso exchange rate. He admits that this turn in the economy has affected the company’s competitiveness in the market. However, he is positive that despite the new challenge Locsin International will make up for the competition by continue giving the market innovative designs.
“There are a lot of competitors not only within the country but also from our Asian neighbors. We just try to constantly innovate and come up with new designs in order to counteract these challenges,” Roberto related
Locsins’ journey to success was about beating the odds and valuing partnership with an agency that exalts the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmanship. Throughout Locsin International’s progress in the furniture industry, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions was among the company’s important partners. It is through CITEM-organized shows and trade missions did the company got the majority of its buyers. With CITEM’s help, Locsin International is updated with the latest trends in furniture design and the current demands of the market
“CITEM has been an important, if not, the main partner in our progress throughout the years. It is through the shows organized by CITEM that we have been getting buyers that provide us business. Furthermore, the agency has helped us in foreign missions and being able to keep abreast of the trends in the market,” Roberto happily recalled.
And yet despite the challenges which the export industry is facing, Roberto still urges the agency to continue organizing foreign exhibition. In that way, he says, there could be more exposure and awareness to Philippine-made products which will eventually lead to more business deals.
“We wish that CITEM keeps on improving their shows and organize more foreign exhibitions so that there could be more exposure of Philippine products in the international market,” Roberto said.
The tradition of superior quality continues
Locsin International is definitely ahead of the pack. The company’s aesthetic vision brought them to international recognition and promoted the country’s impeccable breed of Filipino designers.
The company may have face new challenges today. However, Roberto and his team are prepared and are keen on making the company grow. He eyes for new markets and develop more new products that will be next toast in the design industry.
With hardwork, positive attitude, honesty and integrity, ethical business practice, and foresight, no doubt that Locsin International is one of the leading furniture manufacturers in the country today.
For more information on Locsin International’s products, visit www.locsin.com.
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