Earlier this week we were at the grand opening of Scomadi’s funky new factory in Thailand. Located just north of Pattaya, the modest facility marks a brand new start for the brand.
The company is backed by some serious new investors. They bring not only cash but also a wealth of experience, a new strategy, new models and an emphasis on quality over quantity. It means the once 100% British owned brand may well rise from the ashes and the product will speak for itself in terms of quality.
In a traditional Thai ceremony, the factory’s spirit house was blessed by a priest before nine robed monks chanted, ceremonial stakes were buried and commemorative trees were planted. Finally the ribbon was cut by the majority share holders from Minor International (a company specialising in leisure and lifestyle brands) and CT Engineering (an automotive/engineering company who work for some serious players). Frank Sanderson and wife, Kaye have moved to Thailand to be part of the next chapter of this iconic brand. Frank’s role is to develop new models, whilst Kaye wears many hats and also looks after marketing.
New and updated models
Yesterday we rode the new electric Scomadi (more on that next week), we also rode the TT 125/200 and their SSS models. A host of improvements have been made to the existing TT. We’ll be rolling out various Scomadi articles and road tests over the next couple of weeks once we’re back from Thailand and we’ll be answering most of your questions. Suffice to say, there is currently no 400cc Scomadi, or bike engined Scomadi, the retro Series 1 style Scomadi isn’t any closer than it was when we first showed you the drawings either. On a positive note, the company have got Euro 4, their Bosch ABS system has gained its certification and the production line is up and running.
Iggy
SLUK Shop – blessed by Scooterists
Earlier this week we were at the grand opening of Scomadi’s funky new factory in Thailand. Located just north of Pattaya, the modest facility marks a brand new start for the brand.
The company is backed by some serious new investors. They bring not only cash but also a wealth of experience, a new strategy, new models and an emphasis on quality over quantity. It means the once 100% British owned brand may well rise from the ashes and the product will speak for itself in terms of quality.
New SSS special editions sit alongside general production models, a factory cut down will be an option
The Scomadi main players are blessed during the Thai opening ceremony
In a traditional Thai ceremony, the factory’s spirit house was blessed by a priest before nine robed monks chanted, ceremonial stakes were buried and commemorative trees were planted. Finally the ribbon was cut by the majority share holders from Minor International (a company specialising in leisure and lifestyle brands) and CT Engineering (an automotive/engineering company who work for some serious players). Frank Sanderson and wife, Kaye have moved to Thailand to be part of the next chapter of this iconic brand. Frank’s role is to develop new models, whilst Kaye wears many hats and also looks after marketing.
Two-channel Bosch ABS system has full certification
New and updated models
Yesterday we rode the new electric Scomadi (more on that next week), we also rode the TT 125/200 and their SSS models. A host of improvements have been made to the existing TT. We’ll be rolling out various Scomadi articles and road tests over the next couple of weeks once we’re back from Thailand and we’ll be answering most of your questions. Suffice to say, there is currently no 400cc Scomadi, or bike engined Scomadi, the retro Series 1 style Scomadi isn’t any closer than it was when we first showed you the drawings either. On a positive note, the company have got Euro 4, their Bosch ABS system has gained its certification and the production line is up and running.
Iggy
SLUK Shop – blessed by Scooterists
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I wish them all the best and hope they innovate as they have done inspiring new life into the British scootering scene. Love that photo of all the scooters lined up. I think they have a real opportunity to remove the copycat looks and design a frame that appeals to the British scooterists that are badly missing from all the other releases that are not nailing the design looks and are all in danger being different versions of each other. Panel lines, engine looks and lines and exhaust flow lines, headsets, speedos that are not calibrated properly, synthetic 2T design are all a bit lacking. I hope Scomadi start to innovate now they have some form of commercial experience behind them and can protect their innovations going forward.
Good luck to them. A David and Goliath story that hopefully will come right for Scomadi in the end. Helped in part if British scooterists do the right thing and buy from a British owned company, run by life long scooterists, rather than doing the cheaper thing and buy the Quisling’s choice. Ironically, those to whom that statement applies to will probably think this is a Chinese marque. Ha!
I will keep my money on ice for a new larger capacity Scomadi to come out or even a SSS 200. The Leccy one looks to be a real option too as more councils will be going down the ULEZ route.
That electric Scomadi is a BRILLIANT idea. A lot of people, including me, are thinking about electric scooters because of changing laws, and generally helping the environment. Some of us want to use electric vehicles for travel, but can’t afford an electric car.
Most…sorry ALL of the electric scooters look rubbish. A real classic looking scooter, with electric capabilities, is a brilliant option; could be a real winner, particularly if the price is decent, and the specs are good.
Bernard, have you checked out Retrospective’s
Classic electric fleet ?
Congrats to team Scomadi.Hope they can keep their noses in front of the Chinese ones. Electric is cool and convenient. I’ve got a Retrospective converted J50 Lambretta. Not as cool as classic scooter riding but serves a purpose as a second scooter for shopping and town riding.
factory dont exactly look a hive of activity do it ? two blokes stood there with their hands on hips looking for brooms to lean on.
The photos were taken on the open day, the workers were all taking part in the ceremony and showing guests around.