Control Logic Systems to manage Fohhn market penetration in SE Asia

With Harman’s acquisition of Duran Audio together withitsflagship Intellivox and Axys lines in October 2013, it marked a pointof severance for the majority of the brand’s loyal distributors. Among the casualties following Intellivox’s incorporation into theJBL product line-up was the Singaporean and Malaysian (ASEAN)distributor Control Logic Systems Pte Ltd (CLSPL). Havingsuccessfully supplied and installed Intellivox systems into manyhouses of worship, educational centres, hotels and transport terminiincluding T3 in Singapore’s Changi Airport in addition to the BuddahRelic Tooth Temple, Mercedes Benz showroom and UCTS Sibu Sarawak, CLSPL’s director David Seow admitted that the loss ofIntellivox had created a large gap in the company’s productportfolio. ‘For 12 years we had gained increasing penetration in thesouth east Asian market. Back then, beam steering technology wasbrand new and it was initially very difficult to convince potentialcustomers to adopt it into their venues. However, over time and withcountless demonstrations, it was more readily accepted.’

Following several meetings with other beam steering manufacturersduring Pro Light & Sound 2014, Mr Seow drew the conclusion thatFohhn would provide him with the ideal solution for CLSPL’srequirements. ‘Having heard their demonstration, I was in deepadmiration for the quality and performance of their entire productrange and control software knowing full well that we could providesystems integrators with the complete solutions for their needs.Quite simply, Fohhn fitted the bill and exceeded my expectations.The subwoofers are highly directive, and can also be directionallysteered. Initially I was just looking for steerable columns that wouldenhance intelligibility of speech, but when I heard them with thesubwoofers I immediately knew that we could provide completeand full system solutions. They operate within a full frequencybandwidth down to around 60Hz and as they are unobtrusive theytick all the boxes for today’s demanding interior designers.’

Fohhn’s director of marketing Uli Haug knew he had at last foundthe ideal company to represent the German brand in the ASEANcountries. ‘Having first been introduced to CLSPL last year, I knewthat they were the right people for us. Not only are they veryexperienced and knowledgeable, but they also have a thoroughunderstanding of their market. Most of the systems we sell arebespoke and turnkey in nature and so they need to be correctlyspecified, installed and commissioned. Otherwise, our brandreputation would be tarnished. With David and his team, we knowthat Fohhn will be readily accepted in this dynamic, vibrant region.To date CLSPL had been involved with Fohhn Audio products in theSentosa Express Video Wall in Vivo City, the LS Fellowship church,the Royal Johore Palace and the Dewan Rakyat in Malacca. Assuch, we are exploring the possibility of establishing an Asian officethat will provide our growing customer base there with 24 hoursupport.’