Sometimes, you just outgrow your name. When it happens, it’s better to embrace it.
The company formerly known as Entertainment Metals, a provider of precision metal and cabling solutions for the professional audio, video, broadcast, theater and install markets announced recently an all-inclusive corporate re-branding initiative starting in 2016.
“This is to better reflect the overall vision of the enterprise,” says CEO Kevin Kirchner. The company will now be known as Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG), and comes complete with a new logo and website. Part of this repositioning, largely in response to growth and success in the live event and install market, has the newly named EMG expanding with additional marketing and sales staff.
The Early Days
Kirchner is a man used to the fast lane, and already has quite a few accomplishments in his rearview. Right after graduating from Full Sail University in September of 1999, he started work as a general assistant at Sync Sound, a leading post-production studio in Manhattan. “In 2001, I moved to Gainesville and became vice president of sales and product development for Ramtech Industries,” he says. Kirchner held this position until he struck out on his own and founded Entertainment Metals in March of 2009. “We have grown from three employees to 30 in just six years, and we’re not done fulfilling our hiring and expansion plans.”
His vision for the “new” EMG will be to better and more completely serve the live event industry. “We bring a truly focused manufacturing method and vertically integrated approach to solving complex time-sensitive issues that happen on today’s largest shows, installs, and events,” Kirchner explains. “By focusing on the Entertainment industry, we are able to be a perfect vendor partner for both large and small companies. We like to think we offer the highest quality products, best solutions and competitive pricing.” He adds that’s he and everyone at the company is proud that everything that comes out with their name is manufactured 100 percent in the USA.
Expansion
The rebranding comes on the heels of its new anodizing division, Halo Metal Finishing, which went into full-scale operation in early October. In the past three years, the entertainment manufacturing company has undergone many growth-driven changes including moving into a larger facility that houses a full-service metal fabricating shop, custom manufacturing division, design and engineering department, and the recent addition of the anodizing division.
Current capabilities include custom design/fabrication wiring and metalwork of simple or complex audio/video interconnects (including new systems, retrofits and repairs); prototyping; small or large-run metalwork fabrication for OEM clients; Type II color anodizing; engraving; powder coating (smooth, wrinkle and hammertone finishes); and silk screening. And its expanded in-house manufacturing means more control for increased quality assurance and on-time deliveries.
“We wanted to develop a brand identity that speaks to our commitments to quality and service with a more streamlined approach,” says Kirchner. “In our vertically integrated manufacturing process, all practices and quality control can be regulated and controlled. This results in competitive prices with the shortest lead times. In addition, we have the ability to meet market demands and provide a one-stop shopping approach that we could not provide prior to this expansion.” In addition to the larger sales force, immediate development plans includes adding a larger sales force, and sponsoring in-house workshops, training, and round tables for industry professionals.
“With more than 20 years of experience we will turn your visions into a reality quickly, accurately, and economically without sacrificing quality or performance,” Kirchner adds. “We understand our client’s needs and are always available and willing to be of assistance.”
Market Overview
EMG offers an extensive line of standard and custom audio cabling and interface products, including its own WhisperLink line of professional microphone, speaker, and instrument cables. From a simple microphone cable to a complex multi-pin assembly, EMG can offer its years of experience, extensive manufacturing capabilities, and large inventory to make each product meet specific needs of the company’s customers, with affordable pricing and fast lead times.
On the video side, whether a client requirement calls for a single cable or custom harness, EMG can fabricate and configure to suit to spec. Cabling choices include HDMI, component or composite video and DVI, along with all-in-one connector options, various video breakouts, multi-pin HD video connectors and cabling.
For the touring clientele, EMG offers an assortment of standard and custom manufactured touring grade audio, video and broadcast interface equipment — with the custom manufacturing capabilities to build from scratch, if required. Products range from custom amp racks and drive systems to complete tour-ready splitter systems and cabling. Manufacturers in EMG’s touring product inventory include a wide variety of the industry’s leading brands, alongside EMG’s own proprietary, custom manufactured line.
Professional theatrical users rely on EMG to provide custom products for every show and installation need. Built to meet the demands of modern theater, EMG is structured to provide a stage-worthy inventory for a successful theatrical production, whether a national tour or a venue installation.
Additionally, for the growing installation market, EMG has a variety of install- cabling options for audio, video, broadcast, and data. Many of these product offerings are built with the same products found in the company’s touring grade assemblies, but designed with the installer/integrator in mind. These include custom assemblies that are ready to complete onsite with little or no special tooling, along with complete rack builds ready to install to customer specs.
Moving Forward
While deeply involved in the current changes and succeeding at the rebranding, Kirchner is already looking ahead: “Over the next five years or so, I see the company continuing to grow our product range and push the boundaries of manufacturing technology by investing in the newest equipment to offer our customers high quality products at competitive pricing. Additionally, I see the company expanding its reach to an international market with more export sales and global product offerings.
“I see the role of EMG in the entertainment industry growing to become one of the best known manufacturers of the highest quality products in the industry,” Kirchner adds. “We want to be the ‘go-to guys,’ whether it be our existing lines of multi-pin cabling or our emerging product lines offering intuitive new power solutions, active electronic products and even more high-quality metalwork alternatives to the current market.”
Company Snapshot:
Name: Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG)
Founded: 1999, as Entertainment Metals
Owners: Kevin Kirchner and Ryan Bringardner
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Employees: 30
Key Services: Custom design/fabrication wiring and metalwork of simple or complex audio/video interconnects (including new systems, retrofits and repairs); prototyping; small or large-run metalwork fabrication for OEM clients; Type II color anodizing; engraving; powder coating (smooth, wrinkle and hammertone finishes); and silk screening.
More Info: www.emfgrp.com
