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About
Maplin
It all started in a
bedroom in Essex. Today Maplin spans the world. One thing has not
changed: the company really knows its customers.
"We launched our business for people like us. Finding electronic
components wasn't easy in 1972. Many companies advertised items but
most were government or industrial surplus and although cheap, were
often inconsistent in their quality and availability". As electronics
enthusiasts themselves. Roger Allen and Doug Simmons, both GPO
telephone engineers at the time, were well aware of the failings of
existing suppliers. In their spare time they made equipment for pop
groups such as fuzz pedals and sound compressors, but were often
unable to obtain quality components. "There were plenty of catalogues,
but you didn't necessarily get what was in them." said Roger. "We
thought there must be lots of people like us - people trying to
produce professional equipment or hobbyists looking for a reliable
source of quality components." Joined by Roger's wife Sandra, a mother
of two young daughters, and using a bedroom in the Allen's home in
Rayleigh, Essex, they set up Maplin Electronic Supplies.
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