MA Lighting officially opened its new UK office and training facilities in London with a special reception for lighting professionals, clients and the press. With this new office MA Lighting continues its strategy to be closer to the market and strengthens its position in the UK. Therewith MA Lighting lays the headstone for some structural changes concerning the international distribution network as well as the HQ in Germany. In addition there are own MA competence and support centres in North America, Latin America, Middle East/India and Asia/Pacific intended. This is due to the fact, that the company has become the worldwide leading manufacturer of control systems, networking components and digital dimming systems in the past years.

The path to London was laid two years ago with Richard Lambert joining the company as technical director for the UK. Since that time grandMA desks have played a part in shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, Avenue Q, Sinatra, Mamma Mia! and Blue Man Group and will also be used in Lord of the Rings and the forthcoming Drowsy Chaperone.

MA's chairman Ralph-Jörg Wezorke explains the expansion: "We needed to become immersed in the UK market because of its international importance, especially in concert touring and West End theatre. When it came to think about how we might have a physical presence in the UK, it was obvious that we should do it on our own terms, with our own people."

With the new office goes along the core of MA Lighting's philosophy - the best available support of customers. "We are very committed because we're not just talking about lighting desks anymore - our products have grown into highly sophisticated control systems, and for a user to fully grasp their potential, they need good quality training and technical support from our experts. This is something we're keen to develop here in London," relates managing director Michael Althaus. 

The new office is located in 55 Lonsdale Road, Queens Park, London NW6 and possesses a showroom, offices, a conference room and facilities for training and product practise. Althaus comments on the location: "Being so close to the heart of London and within quick reach of Heathrow Airport means that we've found ourselves a true, international hub to effectively link markets and communications."

As special and first guest lighting designer Ken Billington brought along bread and salt. This old German tradition should assure wealth and settledness. Billington is right now designing The Drowsy Chaperone in London - of course on grandMA.