“We believe that our distinguishing factor lies in the quality and the innovation of our products.”
— Steven Fauteux
Product Development and Innovation Director
Steven Fauteux heads the Department of Product Development and Innovation. He began working in this field in 2005 as Product Manager. Steven soon realized that he and his colleagues had very little time to devote to research and development owing, in part, to the rapid growth of LED technology.
From 2008 onward, Steven started to focus on product development. With the arrival of new personnel in 2014, the Department of Product Development and Innovation became a reality. Truth be told, this Department’s existence is fairly recent. It began to expand when the demand for product development became a necessity because of specific requests on the part of our customers.
Research in Response to Market Needs
It all began with an unfilled need. The market wants lighting products that solve specific problems. Requests are directed to the Department of Product Development and Innovation through reports by Product Managers, discussions between sales representatives and end-users, as well as visits to various innovation fairs throughout the world.
Indeed, Steven visits Asia, Europe and the United States several times a year to meet and collaborate with our manufacturing partners. He also visits various exhibits and commercial fairs that display the latest in lighting technologies.
Quality Control
Certification
Ultimately, the Product Development and Innovation team ensures that all lighting products introduced to the Canadian marketplace respect the mandatory certification standards and exceed market expectations with regards to efficiency, durability and respect for the environment. Thus, in cooperation with members of the Department of Quality Control team, we strive to ensure our products are awarded mandatory certifications.
Follow-Up and Quality Assurance
Kevin O’Connor acts as Operations Manager in China. He is a valuable ally of our Product Development and Innovation team. Kevin has been in China for over 20 years and has a fine knowledge of the customs and traditions of this region. Moreover, he has a strong network of contacts. With these tools, he is able to act as spokesman for STANDARD with our Asian business partners. He also works as messenger and Product Quality Control Supervisor. This dual management role helps maintain consistent communication between the continents despite different time zones. This helps accelerate product development and production time.
3 Product Groups Introduced by STANDARD
- 1. Luminaires This category accounts for more than 50% of new product launches. STANDARD has been offering a wide range of luminaires since 2014.
- 2. LED Lamps This category consists of 40% of the company’s output: all technologically advanced LED products that have replaced more conventional products.
- 3. Traditional Products These are the classic products, such as halogen and incandescent lamps, as well as CFL and fluorescent lamps that we continue to produce in order to meet demands for the replacement of existing systems.
Where is the Lighting Trend Headed?
What’s in Store for the Department of Product Development and Innovation?
We have been lighting experts since 1983. In 2010, we became involved in selling LED products, and began offering luminaires in 2012. People are increasingly aware of the significance of lighting in new construction and renovation. They are more and more demanding and particular as to their requirements: color temperatures, more lumens, greater durability, etc. Moving forward, we can expect LiFi to become a requirement.
The market is rapidly evolving to offer greater product diversity and other variables that meet specific imperatives defined by clients. The latter wish to live in an environment where lighting has been adapted to their needs. This is why the Department of Product Development and Innovation is destined to expand in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market. STANDARD is moving well ahead with this trend thanks to its diversified offering of lighting products.
This is also the reason our clients seek us out: they know that STANDARD will meet their expectations.
