Let’s take you on a journey of 3D Group’s 2021. We’ll cover what’s changed, who’s new and what’s on the cards for 2022.
2021 was a year of regaining normality, remembering how to function in person rather than over Zoom for some of our team members, planning a tradeshow and adding to our ever-expanding team.
Let’s start with a New Year message from our whole team:
We hope you had a happy and healthy 2021. As 3D Group returns to business as usual after the Christmas break, we would like to express our gratitude for your support over this past year.
We have experienced incredible growth, hitting many of our milestones along the way; this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our great customers. For example, with the launch of our new website, the return to tradeshows, and the move to our new HQ just recently.
We are excited for 2022, and we hope to share this success together.
But first let’s recap 2021:
Warehouse
Let’s look in our warehouse. What a year it has been, we have taken on three fresh staff members—adding to the already extensive knowledge base within our warehouse and quality control team. Matt, our senior QC technician, has been seriously upping his game this year, dedicating even more time to ironing out the quality control processes. Matt has a vital role in helping 3D Group ensure that we only supply to you tested, quality products that will serve you well. He is excited to train our new members to the same standard, furthering their knowledge.
New products
Throwback to 2020, the industry saw very few new products, Covid-19 brought a halt in the development and innovation of additions to the industry. However, the latter part of 2021 saw the release of many new and exciting tools and equipment from Xhorse, including the Key Tool Plus, Key Reader and new key cutting machines such as the new and improved Condor II and the Dolphin. So not only did our purchasing department have a little party but so did our marketing executive, she would have something to show you guys.
Sales Department
Many of you know our sales team well, seeing them year on year at tradeshows and chatting to them on the phone. But we have exciting news; throughout 2021, we have taken on an additional three team members. So, we’re excited for you to get to know them all over the coming months. We might even share some get to know the team blog posts with you.
Despite Covid-19, 2021 was no different to any other year; we were on a mission to grow 3D Group. So, we’re excited to see these new team members come into their own, finding themselves within the 3D Group team.
Operations Director
3D Group always has and will always be on the lookout for ways we can improve our operations and customer service. 2021 brought an operation director to oversee the business.
Andrew has had a varied role since starting in May this year, having a hand in virtually every aspect of the business and being tasked with ensuring it all runs smoothly. In addition, Andrew has had a significant impact on staff development; he has brought a fresh vision, renewed energy and creativity on improving 3D Group for all parties.
The Creative Team
April saw the start of Elspeth, our new marketing executive; you might have seen some of her blog posts and social posts. She has come fresh into the auto locksmith industry with a drive to learn; since starting, she has learnt endless niche terms and now understands how key cutting machines work!
In October, the creative team then welcomed James, the graphic designer, who has had to familiarise himself with all the intricacies of the auto locksmith world.
Together these new members had their first taste of an auto locksmith trade show in October at the MLA and are already in the planning stages of the LockExpo in March of 2022.
New website
July was a busy month. Our creative team worked on the new website for a little over a year, and when the time came to release the new and improved website, it included exciting features that we couldn’t wait for you to use. Since the release, we have received so much positive feedback, however we always keep our ears to the ground and on Facebook to hear of any ways we can improve.
We are now even more confident that our website has become the industry benchmark! We made many tweaks and changes that developed our site to where it is now. Adding more features such as an improved search feature, bulk buy options, and a quick buy option so you can make those repeat purchases quickly, to name a few of the updates.
Trade show MLA expo
October of 2021 saw 3D Group debut back at our first trade show since the Covid-19 pandemic! We spent months planning our stand design, and on the day, we were so pleased with how great our stand looked.
The whole team were excited to mingle with you all and catch up after what felt like years. Oh, wait, it was! Being back at the MLA gave us the chance to get your feedback, ask for your insight, and show you the latest products.
Without these critical events, it would be challenging to stay in contact with you all and highlight why 3D Group is unique. With that in mind, we are excited for the LockExpo, coming up in March 2022.
New build
December was exciting, to say the least; after months of planning and preparation, we were able to move into our new HQ.
Packing up over ten years’ worth of memories and hard work into several removal lorries and taking it to the premises that we have been working hard to move to was such a great feeling. Our timing felt perfect, moving in just in time for Christmas, setting up everyone in their new workspaces, even managing to get our Christmas tree set up to have two weeks of festivity.
At 3D Group, we see this location move as a step towards a fresh start, the beginning of a new era. We cannot wait to see where we go from here.
Thank you for your valued custom during 2021, and we hope you can join us in our excitement for 2022 and all the new opportunities it will bring.