Shades Technics form business partnerships
By 1990, the demand for on-board facilities had gained in popularity whilst the UK Coach Builders continued with in house manufacture. Pressure to compete in the receding market at that time forced Coach Builders to review their production practises and in order to remain competitive. They recognised that by forming partnerships with specialist suppliers such as Shades they would benefit from innovative designs influenced by experiences gained both in the after-market as well as the effective use of labour.
First OEM kitchen and toilet system
In 1987 Shades had their first opportunity to work as an OEM supplier when they were approached by a European Coach Builder to design and develop a kitchen and toilet system.
Shades Design their first Modular Severy system
During the development of the UK market, Shades financed the early years with coach repairs, whilst fulfilling the increasing demand for aftermarket executive conversions. This led to the design of the first ‘modular servery’ system launched in 1981.
Shades Technics was formed
Shades Technics was formed in 1977 having recognised a niche in the UK coach industry for a specialised supplier of on board facilities. At that time the UK Coach specification was not as advanced as in Europe and this was reflected in the inadequate onboard washroom and catering facilities which were restricted to using modified equipment from the marine and leisure industries.