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[InternalTraining]

@Calzehbhoy , we don't have all the details but I agree with you to some degree that it is brand dilution. Also, there are lot of local brands that will pose more than stiff competition to this local franchise of L&W. These bats will escape the "local" market to overseas, let's not kid ourselves here.

The reason L&W could charge such a hefty sum for their bats was the "exclusivity" factor which led many overseas buyers to the brand. L&W are great bats but not better than what's already out there (if looking for performance). This move will remove that aura of "exclusivity" from the brand. Laver is well within his rights to make money but now they are just another "good" cricket bat maker.

[Umi]

I think it hurts the brand in the long run, as L&W are known for being NZ handmade by a great craftsman. Let's see

[jd163]

India is a big cricket playing country. Having L&W india is a good move for James. More brand awareness and more sales. It is a Win Win situation for cricketers. Having a indian made Gray Nicolls does not decrease value of a Stu or Chris King made GN.

[mkir888]

India is a big cricket playing country. Having L&W india is a good move for James. More brand awareness and more sales. It is a Win Win situation for cricketers. Having a indian made Gray Nicolls does not decrease value of a Stu or Chris King made GN.

Agreed. Unless they dump and flood the market with low end bats which i highly doubt, there will  be a niche market for a premium brand in Indian market based on exclusivity.

[aditya44]

hello everyone,

i just wanted to clarify on some issues here. After James bat sizing sessions in India we were overwhelmed with the response we got and there is a lot of demand for laver and wood cricket bats. As the demand is very high it is almost impossible to get all the bats made in New Zealand and deliver it back to India. .Also as i am from India it is easier to set up manufacturing in my country and control it from here and meet the demands with no delay. This will also give the customers an edge as they dont have to deal with the exchange rate and customs and this led to me and James deciding on Laver and Wood India. The bats will be manufactured in India with different set of stickers to differentiate and the batmakers will go through immense training from James and Toby to meet the high level of standards Laver and Wood company set through their finishing and performance. These bats will be competitively priced keeping in mind it is made in India and the Indian market price. We want the brand to grow globally and as India is a huge market we have taken this decision. Also as of now we are very keen on quality control and these bats will be sold directly from us to Indian customers and not through retail shops in India. This is not some mass production mode it is just simpler to meet the demands of the market this way. Also all the custom made orders will be made in James workshop in New Zealand and there will be a clear distinguish between the both.

[InternalTraining]

hello everyone,

i just wanted to clarify on some issues here. After James bat sizing sessions in India we were overwhelmed with the response we got and there is a lot of demand for laver and wood cricket bats. As the demand is very high it is almost impossible to get all the bats made in New Zealand and deliver it back to India. .Also as i am from India it is easier to set up manufacturing in my country and control it from here and meet the demands with no delay. This will also give the customers an edge as they dont have to deal with the exchange rate and customs and this led to me and James deciding on Laver and Wood India. The bats will be manufactured in India with different set of stickers to differentiate and the batmakers will go through immense training from James and Toby to meet the high level of standards Laver and Wood company set through their finishing and performance. These bats will be competitively priced keeping in mind it is made in India and the Indian market price. We want the brand to grow globally and as India is a huge market we have taken this decision. Also as of now we are very keen on quality control and these bats will be sold directly from us to Indian customers and not through retail shops in India. This is not some mass production mode it is just simpler to meet the demands of the market this way. Also all the custom made orders will be made in James workshop in New Zealand and there will be a clear distinguish between the both.

Wow, sounds like a big initiative.

Question: Since ordering will take place on the NZ site, will the bats be priced same as the NZ made bats?

[aditya44]

there will be a seperate Laver and Wood India site which will have the prices in INR.

[aditya44]

The Indian made bats will be priced keeping in mind the Indian market so will comparatively less as they are made in India and will be distinguished with seperate stickers also

[Gurujames]

Will manufacturing take place in a factory dedicated to only Laver and Wood (India) bats or will the work be sub-contracted out to existing bat makers?
I can see how this move may help to build the business and is nothing many other big brands have done. There is openness and honesty behind it and therefore I wish you luck.

[aditya44]

we are still working on it and once everthying is set up i will be answering all the questions. thanks for the interest

[potzy248]

As a buyer of over 10 Laver's I will be following this new venture with interest.
Laver have worked hard to make a name for themselves and are now cashing in on that hard work. If the market wants Indian made Lavers then good luck to them.

[Umi]

So the method of the whole bat making process is going to be identical to the one made by James in NZ?

[potzy248]

So the method of the whole bat making process is going to be identical to the one made by James in NZ?

That would be a bit naive.

[Shinpathy]

Interesting to hear...
Wonder with L&W stop making the mega and ultra profiles after this year following the regulations.

[jd163]

Interesting to hear...
Wonder with L&W stop making the mega and ultra profiles after this year following the regulations.

Mega and Ultra will be made within regulations.. My MEGA got 40mm edge and 65mm spine which is still a big bat. I think same goes for ultra.