They add that Unitek Displays will continue to honour all existing maintenance contracts, while implementing a videowall and LED development programme of bespoke engineering, based on their new chip and processor technology. "We wanted to consolidate the distribution of video product - including LED and cube wall manufacture - into one entity, providing customers with a full range of product and expertise," said Mark Brown.
"We realize we may be fighting from behind but we bring advantages of being able to offer a bespoke service from birth to delivery. We are the only UK-based manufacturer of LED screens, with an excellent reputation and are able to offer installation and technical support at the highest level. We have retained all our key staff and it has been a seamless transfer."
As for the new product, aside from the advantage of having shed a massive 10kg from the V9 module - the company is utilizing the advanced ONE processor and ASIC chipset, which provides greater control and better colour balance.
Under managing director Richard Wright, Unitek will continue to be headquartered in Gerrards Cross - close to Heathrow Airport - where all existing staff, including systems development manager, Arthur Chiles, electronic engineer, Alan Drake and general manager Gary White have all been retained. At the same time the company is in the process of setting up Unitek Gulf in Dubai (under Mark Brown) and Unitek South Africa, in conjunction with AV Technologies' Bruce Gerber.
Richard Wright brings an impressive pedigree to the operation. After spending a number of years with Philips Analytical he was later general manager with videowall and laser company Laserpoint at the time of their take-over by General Video Corporation. He then worked for Mark Brown's Lasergraphix and ran his own production company, Silver Fish Productions, for four years before joining the consortium to take over Unitek Displays. Mark Brown has likewise enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the laser and large display industries.
Unitek Holdings was originally founded back in 1995, and went on to win a PLASA Best Product Award in 1997 with the popular Megascreen. Future plans include partnership with an SMD manufacturer to further their development in LED technology.
(Lee Baldock)
