From Idea to Reality - How Lockers Became One of AJ Products Bestsellers
Lockers are something many people might take for granted. But designing an efficient storage solution takes a lot of thought and experience. That's exactly what goes into creating a bestseller.
– "We keep the classics alive while continuously developing new solutions to meet today’s needs," says Karl Johansson at AJ Products.
Metal lockers and cabinets are a staple in nearly every workplace - from industrial settings to office environments. You’ll also find them in swimming pools, sports arenas, schools, hospitals and gyms. But not all cabinets and lockets are created equal. Beyond providing storage, they can be designed in countless ways to suit different needs and users.
Karl Johansson, our category buyer here at AJ Products, knows this well. Among our wide range of nearly 15,000 products for offices, schools, warehouses, industries and changing rooms, lockers remain one of our bestsellers. In 2023 alone, we sold and manufactured around 77,000 cabinets across different models.
"We have control over the entire process, from idea to manufacturing and sales," says Karl.
SUPPLY Cabinet
CLASSIC Lockers
But it's not just about the numbers - every cabinet is carefully designed with purpose, says Karl Johansson.
"Cabinets and lockers are a bit more complex than they might seem at first glance. We have everything from standard cabinets to custom solutions for very specific needs. When we develop or refine a product, we focus on ergonomics, quality and durability," Karl explains.
He adds:
"Often, it’s the accessories and the interior fittings that make all the difference. From the outside, two cabinets might look identical, but once you open them, you’ll find they serve completely different purposes."
Tip! Many of our lockers can be tailored to suit your needs and enhanced with smart accessories. We offer a wide selection of options, from different types of locks to practical bases.
From Sheet Metal to Lockers
The journey from concept to finished cabinet often starts at our head office in Halmstad, where our designers sketch out new ideas. It ends at our own factory, AJ Metal Design, in Slovakia, which has been manufacturing lockers, storage cabinets, and shelving systems for over three decades. Once complete, the cabinets are shipped to Sweden and stored in AJ Products’ warehouse in Halmstad, ready for easy delivery to customers.
"When we have an idea at head office, we collaborate with the designers to bring our vision to life. We begin by creating an initial brief for what we're trying to develop, and we involve the factory early on. Their feedback is crucial -for example, we might adjust the depth or a dimension to make better use of materials," Karl explains.
Having our own factory gives us full control over quality, the ability to implement sustainable practices and, importantly, the capacity to produce customised cabinets.
- "The biggest advantage, in my opinion, is that we can align our plans towards shared goals. It creates a completely different kind of team spirit compared to working with an external manufacturer," Karl says.
A perfect example of this is how the CREATE product range came to be.
- "These cabinets were designed entirely in-house, and by working closely with our own factory, we developed a truly unique solution. After its launch, CREATE even received recognition at the Red Dot Awards for design. It’s an exciting achievement that really keeps us motivated," adds Karl Johansson.
Having our own factory also means we can continuously make improvements.
Bag Ban Boosted Demand
One aspect Karl Johansson finds fascinating about his work is how societal trends and events influence product demand. For instance, across Europe, authorities have started introducing a ban on bags at major events like concerts, fairs and festivals. As a result, AJ Products was quickly approached by customers needing lockers to provide better storage solutions for event attendees.
Another example is how student lockers have evolved due to digitisation.
"Our lockers were previously designed for the educational environment over a decade ago, which required ample space for binders and textbooks," says Karl Johansson.
Today, education looks quite different, with fewer physical books and a greater emphasis on reading tablets, laptops, and other smaller items.
“Good for the Environment and Budget Friendly”
In recent years, sustainability has become a crucial aspect of our work, both in developing new cabinets and enhancing existing ones.
"We focus on how we can reduce our carbon footprint without compromising quality. For example, can we decrease the size or thickness of a component? Even small adjustments can lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions," says Karl Johansson.
"I see it all the time: when you prioritise sustainability, it encourages you to rethink the product, often leading to smart solutions that benefit both the environment and your budget."
