In The Spotlight
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Making moves
From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to a major relocation and new product releases, Park World found plenty to talk about with Karl Renoldi of amusement industry lighting specialist Maxtron Show Lighting.
Charlotte Westwood: How did the pandemic affect Maxtron SL’s operation and sales? Karl Renoldi: As many of us know, a number of businesses have been negatively affected by the events of the pandemic. Despite not being able to attend a number of IAAPA conventions as we had originally planned, MSL is incredibly grateful to have had loyal customers that kept us going for the past years. However, we have had to slightly rearrange our organisational structure to better deal with the events occurring worldwide, and we’re pleased to say we were able to adapt fast in the face of change.
CW: What’s new in the MSL product line-up? KR: We have a new controller to announce, Controller V5.5! Controller V5.5 is based on the same protocol as the V5 controller. This ensures that previous systems delivered with LED light modules based on V5 (at least) can be operated with Controller 5.5 as well - so if you’re already a customer, no need for a new system! The biggest upgrade with Controller 5.5 is our network connection. This opens new possibilities by allowing synchronisation of more than one controller and control from PCs and smartphones through the use of regular browsers on any operating system (no special software needed!) which can be used with Android, iOS, Windows, you name it. Controller 5.5 is also loaded with new light shows and a number of software updates. The controller can be operated by ArtNet (DMX over Ethernet), which enables the operator to run over 8000 controllers simultaneously. This
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gives us the ability to create entire ‘light-scapes’ for amusement parks and other projects. In addition, Controller 5.5 includes a high memory capacity of 32 GB and a high program capacity with 255 different programs to select from. CW: Any big plans for MSL this year? KR: Yes! We are ever-growing and always have something new coming up. You may have heard the rumours and we are here to tell you that they are true! MSL will officially be moving its eastern HQ and factory, which are both currently located in China. Our new destination will be none other than the United Arab Emirates! Our western HQ will remain in Herndon, Virginia, in the United States. Our decision has been carefully considered and is more than merely strategic. The relocation will be incredibly beneficial for our company, customers, employees
CW: How might MSL’s relocation impact its customers? KR: TDepending on your location, this may mean that we will be able to maintain close contact and offer quick, in-person support for our customers. As almost all of our customers are based in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, our new location will mean faster, more affordable shipping and more frequent, on-demand assistance. In addition, many countries charge higher customs tax on goods imported from China, and lower on goods imported from the United Arab Emirates. For example, the United States charges 25% customs tax on all goods imported from China, and 5% customs tax on goods
APRIL 2023
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