The Mini Mk2

Comprehensive product development

Check out how we helped MQUIP bring the Mini Mk2 to market - an organized approach, intelligent design, and excellent product market fit.

MQUIP Mini Mk2 vacuum lifter installing stone.
MQUIP Mini Mk2 CAD design and final product side by side.
The Mini Mk2 3D CAD design on the left, and the final product.

Before

MQUIP had a range of ideas to develop a next-generation vacuum lifting device for the landscaping and construction industry, but didn’t have the know-how to bring it to life.

Working with Riganelli Design

Riganelli Design stepped in, utilizing the team’s design and analytical skills to assess the concept, suggest improvements, create detailed drawings, and liaise with the manufacturer.

The Outcome

Within 5 short months of engaging with Riganelli Design, MQUIP had already received delivery of the first 10 prototypes for testing – exceeding expectations. Using animated product videos from Riganelli Design, MQUIP secured pre-orders for over 20 units. Accessories and a full user manual were also ready for launch.

"Riganelli Design was fully committed to helping us bring our ideas to life. The team’s ingenuity and experience was critical in helping realize our new product – and Marcus personally went over and beyond what we expected." - James Reid, President, MQUIP

About MQUIP Group

James Reid, president of MQUIP.
James with the original Mini.

MQUIP Group Inc. is a family-run business based in Burlington, Ontario, supplying high-quality vacuum lifting equipment for heavy materials. The business was established in 2014 to serve a growing need in the landscaping sector, and has since evolved to supply the construction sector as a whole.

Based on customer feedback from its most popular lifting device, the Mini, MQUIP knew there was an opportunity to develop the next-generation device. The father and son team had many ideas sketched out and jotted down on paper, including:

  • A more robust structure to withstand the harsh construction environment
  • A fully enclosed electronics cabinet for increased reliability
  • Integration of an easily swappable battery pack, to mitigate site downtime
  • Increasing the system voltage from 12v to 18v
  • Easier maintenance and repair

The Problem

The team at MQUIP didn’t have the design know-how to make the concepts a reality.

James, president at MQUIP, knew they needed help.

"We knew exactly what our customers needed, but we quickly realized if we wanted to produce the new device that we needed design support. That’s when I received some marketing materials from Riganelli Design. The timing was impeccable..."

Partnering with Riganelli Design Proved to Be a Game Changer

“On meeting Marcus from Riganelli Design, we immediately knew he and his team were the right people for the job. He was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and we picked up on his sense of commitment to our project straight away,” said James.

Using their industry know-how and extensive experience, Riganelli Design stepped in and took the development of the new Mini Mk2 to the next level. Marcus spoke with the team at MQUIP and started by creating a project plan, a detailed specification, and a matrix of requirements.

During the engagement, Riganelli Design took the original sketches and ideas to:

  • Create professional design concepts
  • Carry out in-depth analytical reviews
  • Develop drawing packages for manufacture
  • Produce an on-brand Mini Mk2 user manual

MQUIP was especially impressed with the analyses that Riganelli Design was able to carry out. Analyzing the design and highlighting areas for concern up-front on the computer screen allowed them to refine their design prior to prototyping, saving thousands of dollars on manufacturing extra prototypes.

"As a business owner, having analytical data on hand that’s been carried out by an experienced team like Riganelli Design is priceless. It adds an extra level of reassurance knowing our products have been designed to the highest quality standards. This was a real game changer for us.” says James.
Technical drawings.

From Computer Screen to Production and Beyond

Once design reviews and analyses were carried out and approved, it was time for production. MQUIP had a relationship with a local fabricator, who had all the in-house equipment to manufacture the Mini Mk2.

Although the team at MQUIP were still heavily involved at this stage, they found themselves with the luxury of having Riganelli Design in their corner.

“It was great having Marcus and his team on board, to liaise with the fabricators for the manufacture of the Mini Mk2. It relieved a layer of stress from our small team, allowing us to get on with our day-to- day tasks. We had full confidence, knowing we had a design team who could answer any queries on the design and manufacture – they knew our product inside out,” says James.
MQUIP Mini Mk2 being tested.
The Mini Mk2 during testing at MQUIP's facility in Burlington, Ontario. Maximum lifting capacity is 2,200 lbs!

Soon, James and the team at MQUIP received their first 10 prototypes. They were excited to see their ideas come to fruition in such a short time.

“Without help from the team at Riganelli Design, it could’ve taken us years to bring these products to life. Yet, here we are just 5 months from engaging with Riganelli Design, and the first 10 units have already arrived. Unbelievable!”

The staff quickly put prototypes through their paces on harsh work sites with their customers. They continued to work closely with the team at Riganelli Design to make small adjustments to the design before going to market.

MQUIP Mini Mk2 user manual.
The Mini Mk2 user manual is on-brand, and its style serves as the basis for all other MQUIP product manuals.

At the same time, staff at Riganelli Design were already working on accessories for the Mini Mk2, as well as a detailed user manual in both English and French. Looking forward, they have helped MQUIP identify further product evolutions and new product ideas, and are busy at work developing these as well. MQUIP's goal is to develop an entire lineup of their own vacuum lifting products, replacing the lifters they currently distribute from other manufacturers.

An Unexpected Bonus

From the VR design review and animation material that Riganelli Design produced, MQUIP was able to run a marketing campaign which secured a batch of preorders prior to production, giving the Mini Mk2 an effortless head start. The teaser trailer is shown above.

“Partnering with Riganelli Design has been such a valuable decision for our business. We truly feel like they’re part of the team now, and we have more projects in the pipeline to work on together. For anyone who needs full design support from a professional, reliable team who genuinely has your best interests at heart – I can’t recommend Riganelli Design highly enough,” says James.

Next Steps

The Mk2 lifter debuted in 2020 and quickly became the flagship product in MQUIP's lineup. Since then, Riganelli Design has developed dozens more vacuum lifting products for MQUIP: the innovative Blizzard, a modular turbine-based lifting system for porous materials; the heavyweight Grizzly, able to lift up to 6,000 lbs; plus accessories like a custom remote control circuit board, enabling their customers to activate the lifters remotely and do even more with less.

The Grizzly takes the successes of the Mk2 and scales them up to 6,000lbs of lifting capacity, while being easily carried and battery powered.
The modular Blizzard can be used in many configurations, and the powerful turbine maintains suction on porous materials.
This custom circuit board allows MQUIP's customers to remotely lift and release loads, and includes a low battery monitor and optional rotator module.

Visit www.mquip.com to check out just some of the products Riganelli Design has developed for MQUIP.

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