About Das Magellan
Fifty years of
One humble dream.
--------- EST. ---------
1979
What began in 1979 with the production of kitchen digital accessories and was later supplemented by a laboratory equipment wholesaler, continues to change the world of kitchen accessories to this day. Today, Das Magellan offers an extensive range of accessories and products for kitchen scales, food thermometers, coffee grinders, milk frothers, timers, watering systems and much more.
1951 - The Ambitious Boy
Robin Chan was a curious soul who couldn’t resist exploring the unknown. From a young age, he had an insatiable thirst for adventure, often getting lost in books and stories about distant lands, strange creatures, and ancient secrets. But what truly set Robin apart was his ability to bring those stories to life, no matter how far-fetched or unbelievable they seemed.
Growing up in the bustling city of Hong Kong, Robin's days were filled with the ordinary: school, friends, family, and the humdrum of daily life. But his heart belonged to the extraordinary. He would spend hours sketching strange landscapes, jotting down ideas for inventions, and dreaming of one day embarking on an adventure of his own.
1970 - UK. UK.
Robin had always been fascinated by technology and innovation. He spent countless hours tinkering with gadgets, taking things apart, and trying to put them back together. His parents, who owned a small family business, encouraged his curiosity but had always hoped he would take a more traditional career path—something secure, like law or finance. But Robin had different plans. His passion for engineering and invention led him to pursue an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world: Imperial College London.
When Robin first arrived in London, the grey skies, the historic architecture, and the diverse international community were all so different from what he was used to. But Robin quickly adapted, driven by his desire to immerse himself in cutting-edge technology and innovation.
1976 - An Extraordinary Start
Robin’s first venture at Hong Kong Fair was a line of affordable, high-tech kitchen gadgets—tools that combined simplicity and smart technology, designed to make cooking easier for busy professionals and families. He had developed a prototype for a digital kitchen scale that could provide users with nutritional information and recipe suggestions. It was a novel idea, but he had little more than a working prototype and a dream to offer.
That first success set the stage for everything that followed—the factory he would later own, the international partnerships he would build, and the innovation he would continue to bring to the world. But no matter how big his business grew, Robin always remembered the humble beginning at his first Fair, where a simple kitchen scale turned into the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.
1979 - Das Magellan
The story of Robin's first factory began in a cramped, run-down industrial building in the outskirts of Hong Kong, far from the gleaming skyscrapers and neon lights of the city’s bustling centre.
The factory was nothing like the polished, high-tech operation he would later own. It was small—barely big enough to fit a few machines, some workbenches, and a handful of employees—but it had character. The walls were bare concrete, the windows cracked, and the lighting flickered. The machines were outdated, salvaged from second-hand stores and auctions, and the floors were covered in dust. But it was the perfect starting point for Das Magellan, a team that had always believed that good things could come from humble beginnings.
Our first product—a simple yet innovative kitchen scale—was inspired by the desire to blend old-fashioned design with modern technology. At the time, most kitchen scales were either too basic or too complicated. Robin wanted to create something that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, something that would appeal to people who appreciated classic designs but wanted the convenience of digital technology.
2001 - Bigger. Better.
The new factory in Dong Guan is a symbol of everything Robin had worked for, a dream that had once felt impossible but now stood firmly in reality. Das Magellan was started with nothing more than a small workshop and a vision to create high-quality, cutting-edge electronics in the heart of Hong Kong. Now, with state-of-the-art equipment and a team of dedicated employees, Das Magellan was about to launch something much bigger.
It hadn’t been easy. There were moments when Robin wondered if he’d made the right choice—when the costs were higher than expected, when suppliers failed to deliver on time, and when he questioned whether the factory could live up to the ambitious goals he had set. But every challenge had been a lesson, and every setback had fueled his determination to succeed. Now, standing on the threshold of success, Robin knew the hard work was far from over.
2014 - Design Centre
After establishing his successful factory, Robin Chan realised that the next step for Das Magellan was not only to scale up production but to create an environment where innovation could flourish. It wasn’t enough to just manufacture high-quality products; Robin wanted to be at the forefront of design, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible. That’s when he decided to open a design centre—a space dedicated solely to product development.
Robin envisioned his design centre as a place where ideas were nurtured and brought to life—a space where cutting-edge designs could be developed, tested, and refined before being mass-produced in his factory. It would serve as a bridge between creativity and manufacturing, ensuring that his products not only functioned well but also captured the imagination of consumers.
The design centre was all about aesthetic appeal and innovation. It was a sleek, open-concept space with high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and workstations for designers and engineers to collaborate. Walls were lined with inspiration boards, sketches, and prototypes of products in various stages of development. The centre was designed to foster creativity—there were no cubicles or rigid hierarchies here, just a free-flowing exchange of ideas.
Today - Legacy Lives On
Robin Chan's untimely passing in 2024 left a profound void, not just in the world of business but in the hearts of those who knew him personally. As the visionary behind the factory and design centre, Robin had built something far greater than a company—it was a legacy of innovation, quality, and perseverance. However, what he had truly instilled in his team was a sense of purpose and unity, and it was this that ensured his company would continue to grow long after he was gone.
After Robin’s passing, his trusted leadership team, particularly his longtime friend and Chief Operating Officer, Steven Lee, took charge. Steven had been with Robin since the early days of the factory, helping to manage operations, logistics, and factory relations. Over the years, he had grown into a respected leader in his own right, known for his clear vision, sharp business acumen, and ability to inspire those around him.
Though Robin was no longer there to steer the ship, his presence continued to guide the company. The culture he had created—a culture based on integrity, quality, and design excellence—remained intact. The company’s core values were enshrined in everything we did, from the way we treated our employees to the way we sourced materials and interacted with customers.
