From idea to reality - How lockers became one of AJ Products bestsellers
Lockers are something many people might take for granted, but designing an effective storage solution takes a great deal of thought and experience. That’s how a bestseller is made.
“We continue to offer the timeless classics while also developing new solutions to meet the needs of the modern workplace” says Karl Johansson at AJ Products.
Metal lockers and cabinets are a common sight in almost every workplace - from factories to office environments. We also see them in swimming pools, stadiums, hospitals, schools and gyms. But not all lockers and cabinets are created equal. As well as providing practical storage, they can be designed in a variety of ways to suit different needs and users.
Someone who knows this well is Karl Johansson, a category buyer at AJ Products. Among our range of nearly 15,000 items for offices, schools, warehouses, industrial settings and changing rooms, lockers are consistently among the top sellers. In 2023 alone, we sold and produced around 77,000 cabinets across various models.
“We manage the entire process - from concept to production and sales” he says.
Tool Cabinet SUPPLY
Locker CLASSIC
But it’s not just about quantity - each locker is carefully considered and thoughtfully designed, says Karl Johansson.
“Lockers and cabinets are more complex than you might think at first glance. They range from standard models to custom-built versions designed to solve very specific needs. When we develop or update a product, we focus on ergonomics, quality and durability” he explains, and adds:
“Often, it’s the accessories and internal fittings that make all the difference. From the outside, two lockers may look identical, but open them up and 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 – from different types of locks to various base options.
From sheet metal to storage solutions
The journey from concept to completed locker often starts at our head office in Halmstad, where designers sketch out initial ideas. It ends at AJ Metal Design’s own factory in Slovakia, which has been producing lockers, storage cabinets and shelving systems for over thirty years. Once ready, the products are sent to our warehouse in Halmstad for swift and easy delivery to customers.
“When we come up with an idea at head office, we work closely with our designers to bring the vision to life. We begin by outlining a clear brief, then involve the factory early in the process. Their input is invaluable - they might suggest adjusting the depth or dimensions to make better use of the materials” explains Karl Johansson.
“Having our own factory gives us full control over quality, the opportunity to implement sustainable practices, and - just as importantly - the flexibility to produce customised lockers” says Karl Johansson.
“What I see as the biggest advantage is the ability to work together towards shared goals. There’s a real sense of team spirit that you don’t always get when working with an external manufacturer” he adds.
One example of this collaboration is the development of the CREATE product line.
“These cabinets were designed entirely in-house, and together with our factory we created a truly unique solution. After its launch, CREATE was recognised at the Red Dot Awards - a fantastic achievement that motivates us to keep pushing forward,” says Karl Johansson.
Having our own factory also allows us to make continuous improvements.
Recently, we changed the packaging for a particular product. At first, it seemed like this adjustment would lead to extra costs. However, after reviewing the entire process, we realised it actually saved money across the board - thanks to fewer complaints and easier handling in the warehouse."
How a bag ban boosted locker demand
One aspect Karl Johansson finds fascinating about his work is how broader societal trends and events shape product demand. For instance, across Europe, authorities have begun introducing a ban on bags at major events such as concerts, fairs and festivals. As a result, AJ Products was quickly approached by customers looking for locker solutions to provide secure storage for event attendees.
Another example is how student lockers have evolved in response to digitalisation.
"In the past, our lockers were designed for how school life looked ten years ago, when students needed plenty of space for binders and books" says Karl Johansson.
But education has changed. Today, there’s less reliance on textbooks and more emphasis on tablets, laptops and other smaller devices.
After speaking with both students and teachers, we discovered that many students wanted the option to store helmets in their lockers. The old design didn’t allow for that, so we adjusted the layout to create space for helmets, provide more room for gym bags, and slightly reduce the space for books."
Thinking green: Sustainable design that saves you money
In recent years, sustainability has become an increasingly important part of our work, both in designing new lockers and improving existing ones.
“We focus a lot on how we can reduce the carbon footprint without compromising on quality. For example, can we reduce the size or thickness of a component? Even small changes can have a big positive impact on CO2 emissions” says Karl Johansson, adding:
“I see this regularly - when you work with sustainability in mind, it forces you to reconsider the product, and often you come up with smart solutions that benefit not only the environment but also your budget.”
