SCN: As LOUD resumes production on a number of EAW and Mackie product lines that were impacted when one of the company’s contract manufacturers ceased operations in late 2008, what would you like commercial audio consultants and installers to know?
Rodney Olson: We’ve made significant progress over the past six months by adding two new contract manufacturers to our worldwide supply chain, expanding Mackie and EAW production capacity
Rodney Olson, CEO of LOUD Technologies considerably. In fact, we are already in production on 57 percent of the products that are scheduled for restoration of supply.
restoration of supply. We also have new products designed with the audio consultant and installer market in mind that are worth noting—such as the newly launched Mackie HD Series High-Definition Powered Loudspeakers released on April 1. The HD Series delivers up to 1800W of system power and unparalleled clarity, with a flyable and rugged design that is ultra-compact, powerful, and truly HD. Also, look out for EAW’s two new product announcements at this month’s InfoComm Show in Orlando.
SCN: LOUD has recently made major moves in the establishment of new supply chain management operations— how will this affect the day-to-day specification and installation of EAW and Mackie product in the U.S.?
RO: We’ve added significant talent to our operations team, including Paul Yue, director of procurement, and Kevin Mahony, director of operations- Asia, based in China. Our expanded operations team is working to improve efficiency, stabilize output and ensure continued quality across our worldwide supply chain. In addition to these initiatives, our team is building flexibility into our demand planning system so we can better respond to project-specific demand and ensure a more consistent supply of the right products when installers need them.
In fact, EAW recently delivered a new 300-loudspeaker system for Oriole Park at Camden Yards. All EAW speakers were delivered on time, even with an accelerated six-month project schedule, which is approximately half the time a system of this magnitude would take to install under normal conditions.
SCN: EAW products were part of some major projects this spring. Is EAW gearing up for a big year?
RO: Yes, EAW is proud to celebrate 30 years as a leader in pro audio. We rang in the new year with the introduction of the MicroWedge 15, the second addition to the MicroWedge Series of products. The MicroWedge Series continues to live up to its acclaim and has quickly become an industry standard in stage monitors. In February, we launched the JFL118, the component subwoofer to the JFL210, which offers users a “fullsystem approach.”
We have also been busy designing and manufacturing custom loudspeaker systems in Whitinsville, WA. Two major projects include Citi Field and Camden Yards. Both of these MLB Baseball Stadiums were successfully designed, manufactured and installed in time for Opening Day.
