Spotlight 11 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2026 make a tool for this?’ followed quickly by, ‘And how do we use it?’. These questions spark our research and lead to solutions that benefit everyone. Independents rely on us to know what tools they need and how those tools should be used. Fifty years ago, the expectation was very different: Independents already knew what they needed and how to do the job, because the systems and processes had barely changed in decades. Chris: What do today’s technicians value most in a tool, and how has this shifted compared with previous generations? Mark: Time is money, so saving time ultimately saves money. When we develop a solution that significantly reduces labour time but comes at a higher cost, customers have to weigh the cost–benefit ratio. If the time saved justifies the investment, then it is a nobrainer. Quality and ease of use also matter. Fifty years ago, there were fewer choices; today, the options are vast. OEM tools are expensive, and our customers want SSTs that perform the job effectively but at a lower price. That means we must design cost effective solutions that still deliver reliable performance. Cost is always a consideration. You may find tools elsewhere that look similar for less, but cheaper tools often lack the quality required. Quality does cost more. It’s worth remembering that if a tool fails, you lose not only the money you spent on it but also valuable time, and most of our customers understand that well. Chris: How do you see the growth of EVs changing tooling requirements and workshop competencies? Mark: The tool bag will not get smaller, but it is changing. While the internal combustion engine may gradually fade from the mainstream, it is being replaced by new systems that still require maintenance and occasional repair. Even though the average EV needs far less routine servicing, it is not maintenance free. Anything with moving parts will experience wear over time. Another key driver of demand is health and safety. Increasingly, we’re being asked to supply tools that are directly or indirectly led by safety concerns. At its core, our role hasn’t changed: we provide the tools needed to get the job done. As the industry evolves, we may need to broaden our portfolio and step into areas we may have previously overlooked, but the fundamental purpose remains the same. lasertools.co.uk The current Laser Tools team celebrating 50 years of business.
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