The first steps towards establishing a UK office were taken 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 West End shows such as 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 The Drowsy Chaperone – for which the lighting will be designed by Ken Billington, the special guest at the London office opening.
The new office, which is located in London’s Queens Park, includes a showroom, offices, conference room and training facilities. “We are very committed because we’re not just talking about lighting desks anymore,” says MA managing director Michael Althaus. “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.”
Pictured left to right are: Richard Lambert (technical director, MA Lighting UK), Ken Billington (guest, lighting designer) and Michael Althaus (MA Lighting managing director). Billington is holding a loaf of bread and some salt, which are traditional housewarming gifts in Germany.
MA Lighting has sold over 15,000 control desks since the company was founded 25 years ago.
