CLD Distribution was founded in 1984 as a wholesale business dedicated to lamps, lighting, audio and colour components and consumables for the professional lighting and sound industry, and is a leading supplier to installation and service companies. It is still headed by founder Nigel Howes and Sandra Connolly.
Starting in Loxwood, West Sussex, UK, the operation moved to the Penn Fabrication site in Hastings in 2000, when more space was required.
Penn-Elcom has been trading in both directions with CLD Distribution for about 20 years, in a healthy crossover relationship which has also seen Penn-Elcom supply many of the different components and parts offered by CLD to their own client base. With enormous benefits to both companies working in the same industry, each with its individual and different product profile, the duality has continued to strengthen and grow.
Says Penn-Elcom Chairman Roger Willems, "CLD fills a large gap in the Penn-Elcom ranges, and their encyclopaedic knowledge in the world of connectors and lamps will be of great benefit to our clients. It is a perfect match and it's very exciting for all of us to be working together - there has always been a lot of mutual respect, and this is consolidated with the merger."
Penn-Elcom is already proactive in supplying connectors to specific locations and regions, and with the CLD merger, the additional investment and the access to even greater expertise, Willems expects the connector ranges offered by Penn-Elcom to expand as a result.
CLD's large, comprehensively equipped and highly efficient workshop is currently producing pre-made leads, multicores and stage boxes, along with custom panels and 19 inch products which are also produced onsite.
CLD will continue to trade through its existing UK dealers, and internationally will be established in key areas like Europe and North America in its own right. In other markets, products will be distributed through the extensive Penn-Elcom network.
Says CLD's Nigel Howes, "The combination of Penn Elcom's logistics and CLD's stock profile means a very strong distribution infrastructure is now in place for worldwide distribution, which is an exciting opportunity for all involved."
(Jim Evans)
