Case Study: From Concept to Market — A European Distributor’s OEM Journey with MORDIO
In early 2025, a European distributor approached MORDIO with a clear goal: launch their own premium switch and socket brand for the German and Austrian residential market. The distributor had years of experience supplying construction materials but wanted to offer a branded electrical product line under their own label. Here is the story of how MORDIO’s OEM services turned their vision into a successful product launch.
The Challenge
The distributor’s requirements were specific. They wanted a Schuko Type F range with a brushed stainless steel finish to compete with established German brands. They needed VDE certification, products that could be marketed with a 5-year warranty, and minimum initial investment. They did not have prior experience with electrical product manufacturing and needed guidance on specifications, packaging, and certification.
How MORDIO Delivered
Our team worked through four phases:
- Product specification: We identified suitable base products from our Schuko range and agreed on modifications. The distributor selected 12 SKUs covering single sockets, double sockets, light switches, and dimmers.
- Custom branding: We produced custom mouldings with the distributor’s brand name. The tooling modifications were completed in 3 weeks, with samples shipped for approval.
- Certification support: We provided VDE test documentation for the base products. The distributor’s brand was added to our existing VDE certification, saving months of testing time.
- Packaging design: Our design team helped create retail packaging that met German market requirements, including environmental labelling and barcode integration.
Results
From initial contact to first shipment, the project took 4 months. The distributor launched 12 SKUs at a German trade fair and received orders from 15 retail partners in the first month. The product line achieved its first-year sales target in 7 months. By year-end, the distributor expanded the range to 30 SKUs including additional colours and USB-integrated sockets.
Key Takeaways
The success of this project relied on clear communication, realistic timelines, and the flexibility of MORDIO’s manufacturing process. The distributor appreciated having a single point of contact throughout the project and the ability to start with a focused product range before expanding. For MORDIO, this project demonstrated the value of offering comprehensive OEM support beyond just manufacturing — including certification, packaging, and market entry advice.
Ready to Write Your Success Story?
If you’re considering launching your own switch and socket brand, contact MORDIO. We work with distributors in over 30 countries and can help you from product selection through to market launch. No minimum volume requirements for initial sample orders.
