Legamaster chalks up another success!

Whiteboard, projection screen and interactive board in one: with the launch of its interactive school board, Legamaster is introducing a sophisticated “all-in-one” solution that no classroom should be without. Not only has the new, TÜV-certified board been specially developed for intensive use in schools, it also prevents annoying reflections during projection thanks to its special surface and even offers a host of extras – including height adjustability.

In some countries, interactive  whiteboards have long been part and parcel of everyday life in many schools, colleges and training centres. Studies also show that such systems have a positive influence - not just on the academic progress of students, but also on their motivation and attention during lessons. With results like these, it’s clear that more educational establishments in other countries need to wipe the slate clean by making way for interactive technology such as Legamaster’s  e-Board systems.

The specialist in visual communication is now aiming to go to the top of the class with its latest development: the interactive school board - a height-adjustable, ergonomically designed interactive board and traditional whiteboard in one. Whilst the scratch-resistant, dry-wipe board doors (each measuring 120 x 90 cm) can be used as a conventional whiteboard, the central board (dimensions: 120 x 180 cm) offers the chance to give the lesson some digital support. This is possible thanks to a receiver integrated into the corner of the board. Using infrared/ultrasound technology,  the electronic board becomes a large ‘touch screen’. Instead of chalk, the user writes with Legamaster’s interactive stylus. This easy to operate digital pen performs all the standard mouse functions including the right and left mouse buttons. Besides that, the stylus can be used as a digital ink marker.   

And when it comes to processing your written notes, the possibilities offered by the  e-Board technology seem virtually limitless. Shared online editing and document print-out options mean countless opportunities for classroom involvement and for setting homework. With  the interactive stylus, neatly combining the functions of a mouse and a pen, it is also possible to call up PowerPoint or Excel files without problem or edit or add to documents, visible for all to see.

The TÜV-certified school board also meets German safety standards, having been awarded the GS mark. As if that weren’t enough: in conjunction with the DMS 800 projector - available from our partner, 3M - a clear picture can be projected onto the interactive Legamaster board from a distance of just 67 cm.  Because the projector and the board are a single unit, the projected surface moves with the board. So you don’t have to do any  calibration if, say, the board has to be raised.

The new interactive school board comes in different versions. On a mobile stand, the interactive school board can be moved from one classroom to another, ready for use in a matter of moments. The interactive school board can also be installed permanently in any given room using a wall-fixing  height adjustable system.

The enamel surface of the panels that make up the interactive school board are specially designed for intensive use in schools. Provided the board is used in conjunction with Legamaster accessories, Legamaster offers a 25-year  board-surface guarantee.

edding Lega International B.V. – daughter company of edding AG Ahrensburg Germany – one of the main European producers of visual communication products under the brand name Legamaster wishes to announce the following.

Relocation of production facilities to Eastern Europe

In line with developments over the past years, which were characterized by considerable price erosion in the market, combined with a continuous increase in the cost of goods and raw materials, edding Lega International B.V. Lochem – the Netherlands declared on November 8th 2007 its intention to relocate its Dutch production facility to Eastern Europe. As a result of this 25 positions in production and related disciplines will be made redundant.

Background to the decision

Despite continuous positive turnover development in Europe in the past years, edding Lega International is confronted with persistent price erosion in the market. At the same time the company is faced with ongoing increases in the cost of raw materials and operating costs. In recent years the company was therefore unable to generate sufficient profit. Anticipating further price increases of raw materials such as oil and steel as well as the further concentration tendency on customers’ side, the company does not anticipate positive changes in their margin development in the near future.

Restructuring consequences in the Netherlands

edding Lega expects that, due to the anticipated relocation, 25 positions will be made redundant in Lochem – the Netherlands, predominantly in production and supporting departments.

In the course of 2008 production will be relocated to Eastern Europe. In doingso, the necessary cost reductions, in order to safeguard our position as a market leading and innovative A-brand company, will be achieved. Additional efficiency measures will also be taken.

Roel Semmelink, Division Director visual communication: “We realise that this decision will have a considerable impact on our colleagues who have continuously contributed to the success of our products in the market. In recent years, various measures were conducted and investments made to increase the efficiency of our current production unit in order to safeguard the Lochem production location. Unfortunately current market circumstances force us to take this decision which rings in the end of a 50 years’ era of Dutch
production ”.

“We are of course committed to responsible restructuring and will assure that we will support employees in every possible way by offering a sound redundancy plan and outplacement opportunities. We will do our utmost to minimize the negative impact on our employees”

“Over the past years, the Legamaster brand has been highly successful and has shown significant turnover growth in the European market, clearly exceeding market average. In order to safeguard this positive development we need to take action now. It is our clear objective to continue to produce and market high quality visual communication products under the Legamaster brand now and in the future”

For more information

Daniëlle Bazuin, International Marketing Manager
Visual Communication

Tel: 0031 (0)573 - 257 433

dbazuin@eddinglega.nl