ARRI GB managing director, Renos Louka, said that the move to Uxbridge marked the end of a long search for an enlarged facility, brought about by the company’s rapid expansion, particularly in rental. "Uxbridge, with its proximity to Pinewood, Shepperton and other film studios, was the ideal location - and when we saw this building we knew we had found our new home," he said. Transport links to central London and access to Heathrow Airport were further key factors in driving the decision.
The three new Highbridge buildings will comprise testing areas, ‘clean rooms’ for work on sensitive camera equipment, offices, bonded warehouse and café. It will also include a dedicated camera museum, of which the curator will be ARRI GB veteran, Alan Fife. The idea had been stimulated by the popularity of the small collection of artefacts displayed in a cabinet in the reception area at Heston. "We have been collecting cameras for years and are trying to obtain every model ever used," said Mr. Louka. Included in the museum will be a wind-up camera, produced around 1936, one of the first 35mm cameras and also one of the first lenses ever produced. The company will continue to search for other collectibles.
"Tommy Moran, managing director of ARRI Lighting Rental, Graham Anderson, MD of ARRI Media, and myself are hugely excited by the potential this offers," continued Louka, "not only to facilitate the continuing expansion of the company, but in the pursuit of training initiatives." To this end he suggested forging links with the locally-based Brunel University, which recently installed a media suite of television and video studios.
In the meantime ARRI GB has a Royal engagement to look forward to. On June 25 Her Majesty The Queen visits the town as part of a nationwide tour to celebrate her Golden Jubilee. While there she will unveil a new sculpture by Welsh-base Anita Lafford. Called ‘Anticipation’, it was commissioned by Hillingdon Arts Association - and ARRI GB are one of the major sponsors.
(Ruth Rossington)
