(9 Oct 2015) LEAD IN:
Creating model aeroplanes is a rare business in Indonesia.
One hobbyist is trying to get a slice of the market by promising models more detailed than his international rivals.
Situated on the outskirts of Jakarta, Anglo-Indonesian Aircraft Models send plane replicas to clients in countries including England, the Netherlands, Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
STORY-LINE:
Globally known for its detailed fibreglass models, Anglo-Indonesia Aircraft Models is Indonesia's most popular aircraft model company.
It stands out despite producing its models out of a small workshop.
The hands-on production process has put the company and Indonesia on the map in the industry. This - despite the fact that their production setting is in stark contrast to factory-produced models in other parts of the world.
43-year old Marison, who goes by one name, has always been fascinated by planes. As a child, he wondered how they managed to fly, carrying passengers for long haul flights.
He began to imitate life with his art, making model planes out of matchsticks and scrap wood, while getting inspiration from magazines as well as his surroundings.
"This is my hobby because when I was little, I grew up around the airport. So I always saw aeroplanes landing, and taking off; I even remember the sound of their engines. This was in the 80s, when Halim (East Jakarta) was still an international airport. It is from there that I was drawn to planes," he says.
The success of his business today can be attributed to this childhood fascination.
After multiple visits to airline companies like Garuda Indonesia and the now defunct Merpati for professional input, he began to build his first batch of aircraft models. In 1992, with support from members of the airline industry, Marison set up his very own aircraft model manufacturing company.
With around 20 initial orders, Marison began to build his models. Clients ranged from aviation magazines, to companies who wanted to give them out as souvenirs, and sometimes, even pilots.
Today, Anglo-Indonesia Aircraft Models has over thirty staff who hand-make between 200 and 300 orders every month. High-profile clients include Etihad, KLM and DHL. Marison is aware of his limited production capacity, but prides his company on its attention to detail.
"We are very particular about detail. Since our models are handmade, details like doors, and so on are taken into consideration. But if you compare our models to those mass-product models produced in other factories, they only prioritise quantity."
Anglo-Indonesia Aircraft Models has four main steps in its production process. First, the aircraft and moulds are designed from scratch. Next, the parts are traced out in fibreglass. The unfinished model is then assembled, and finished with sanding and painting.
The company's specialty lies in producing models which range between 70 centimetres (2 foot 3) and 1.5 metres (4 foot 11) in length.
Prices begin at 72 Euros (USD $81) for the smallest model.
Aircraft model collector, Tony Jennings, has been collecting since 1970, and has accumulated over 500 models over the years.
He partnered with Marison to set up the company.
As a veteran in his hobby, Jennings says that accurate replicas with the right proportions and good finishing are a top priority for collectors.
"The Marison models are generally speaking much more detailed than competitor models. So, that's why, the business I think has expanded in recent years, and for collectors, they really like the detail. As much detail as possible," says Jennings.
Find out more about AP Archive: www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: / ap_archive
Facebook: / aparchives
Instagram: / apnews
You can license this story through AP Archive: www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
Негізгі бет Model plane maker grows international business
Пікірлер: 102