News

A4i.tv has just released a new video about the current state of rigging posts on social media. Rigging Advisor Eric Porter tackles this subject in a very straightforward manner, speaking about how social media is being used for rigging commentary and the way people are behaving online.   Eric also addresses the importance of training and rigging knowledge not only in emerging markets, where rigging is still in its youth, but also in countries with long established rigging practices and regulations.  Watch the video here.

In a world of uncertain times, and the worrying thought that those you’ve relied on in the past may not be here tomorrow, Area Four Industries' A4i.tv remains on the air with more than 100 educational, technical and product-oriented videos online, and many more coming soon. A4i.tv provides you with trussing and rigging fuel that keeps you smart and ahead of the curve.   The undeniable strength of the Area Four Industries Group, and its portfolio of eight leading brands, ensures that A4i.tv always remains broadcasting. As with A4i.tv, you can always count on them being here tomorrow and delivering the products/services you require when you need them most.   Why gamble on an uncertain future? Always there when you need them.

We’re getting ready for an exciting show at Prolight + Sound Middle East in Dubai from 15 – 17 October, where you can find us in Hall 4, Stand F22.  Our sales team will be on hand to give your more information, and answer any questions you may have, on our extensive range of truss accessories that allow for repurposing, covering and extending the practicality of your truss structures.  Visit us in Dubai and discover all we have to offer.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Be the first to watch the new video release on A4i.tv that documents the thrilling use of EXE Technology’s DST System (Dynamic Stack Tracks) during a concert by Italian rock group Subsonica. The video shows the DST 52 System in action, as it moves and positions multiple LED screens over the stage to add visually dynamic elements to the performance.  The Subsonica project utilized EXE Technology’s DST52 Straight Truss System with conversion kit for Kinesys Elevation 1+, and was controlled by KINESYS VECTOR software.  Turbocharge the “cool factor” of your next event with the dynamic movement and positioning of LED screens during live performances. All made possible by the DST System.  DST MOVES YOU!  Click here to see the video.

Thanks goes out to everyone who visited our stand at this year’s PLASA Show in London. We were happy to see our customers, as well as the many new faces that stopped by. A lot of interest was shown in our truss accessory range, with many interesting conversations held during the show.   It’s now back to the office to get out quotes and answer the many requests received during the three-day show!   

“Temporary Outdoor LED Screen Structures”   Don’t miss the “Temporary Outdoor LED Screen Structures” presentation by Areas Four Industries Technical Director, Dipl-Ing. Norbert Tripp, on 16 September from 13:30 – 14:15 in the Lighting and Production Theatre (London Olympia Hall).  Temporary outdoor LED screen support structures are an important part of today’s leading live events, and this will become more and more prevalent going forward. With this in mind, Norbert dives into their proper use, design, advance planning in their set-up and important safety measures to consider.  During the presentation, Norbert will provide answers to such questions as how LED screens react under wind loads, as well as what the load-bearing structure should look like and how to take the proper precautions in case of high wind speeds.  Area Four Industries help to keep you informed and safe!

It’s PLASA time again and we’re looking forward to another great show from 15 – 17 September at the Olympia London. Join us in the Area Four Industries Stand G50, where our sales team will be ready and waiting to discuss your needs and provide more information on the many solutions our products can deliver.  Just look up for the Xtruss and Area Four Industries logos.  See you soon!

After launching the world’s first online trussing and rigging video portal in 2018, A4i.tv now has more than 20,000 industry professionals from across the globe tuning in to discover its ever-increasing informative and entertaining videos.  With 100+ videos already online, and many more to follow, A4i.tv provides a wide range of entertaining and educational content that covers rigging basics, design, products from Area Four Industries’ brands, onsite reports and even project videos from their subscriber base.  Tune in to A4i.tv today and join the online trussing and rigging revolution!

In the newest video release on A4i.tv, Adam Beaumont (EXE Technology Brand Manager) introduces you to the popular EXE Rise electric hoist range.  In the video, Adam gives a brief history of the EXE Technology brand, including how the EXE Rise range was developed, its components and how it is tested. He speaks about the medium frame and large frame hoists, and the loading capacities, features and accessories of each.  Watch the video here.

We would like to inform you that MILOS headquarters and factory will be closed from 15 – 28 July for our annual summer holidays.  Please keep this in mind when making your orders and estimating delivery times. We would like to wish you a happy and safe summer holiday season. 

Area Four Industries has just released the second video in their truss connection systems series on A4i.tv, where Dipl-Ing. Norbert Tripp introduces you to the most popular of all truss connection systems – the “Conical Connector”. During this educational video, you’ll learn how conical connectors work, their design characteristics, how they perform, their advantages, and the stresses that occur when using them.Click here to increase your knowledge about the conical connection system with the newest video on A4i.tv…and stay tuned, there’s more to come!

Your entrance to the world of MILOS and Area Four Industries is within the pages of the annual A4 Magazine, which gives you full access to the latest information about our new products, the Area Four Industries group, interviews with key management, insights from our Brand Manager, technical articles and other interesting information. It’s like taking a whirlwind tour through our brand office, Area Four Industries headquarters, Area Four Industries Direct Distribution offices and our many activities. A4 Magazine is your key to everything MILOS and Area Four Industries, and is just one click away… Download A4 magazine here

A brand new video has just been released on A4i.tv about the Beaufort scale - a well-known wind measurement system but not well understood. In this educational and entertaining video, Dipl-Ing. Norbert Tripp discusses the history of the Beaufort scale and how it works. He dives into the differences between wind speed, wind force and wind pressure, and how this scale is used to measure them. By the end of the video, you’ll have a far better understanding of the Beaufort scale and why it’s important for ensuring the safety of your truss structures. Watch the video now.

We’re getting ready for the PLASA Leeds show once again this year, where members of the Area Four Industries Direct UK team will be on hand and ready to provide you with more information about our products and how their design and distribution office can provide the solutions you require. Just look for us from 14 – 15 May in the Area Four Industries Stand R-D18 & R-D19. See you soon!  

Our sales and administration offices will be closed from 21st December until 2nd January 2019...

Area Four Industries has just released a new video that takes you inside their annual Rigger’s Voice forum..

The MILOS offices will be closed on Friday, 19 April and Monday, 22 April for the Easter holidays...

A4i.tv has just released the first video of a four part series on truss connection systems. In this first video, Area Four Industries Technical Director Norbert Tripp addresses the conventional spigot connection system. He provides the main points on how it works, its advantages and the stresses involved. Three more videos on truss connection systems are soon to follow and you’ll be the first to know when they’re released! Watch the video now.

In the newest back-to-basics video release on A4i.tv, Eric Porter tackles the main information you need to know about shackles in less than two minutes. He covers the two main types of shackles used for rigging, their proper use, the important markings found on them and where they should be used.  Click here to see the video and top up your knowledge on shackles!

The holidays are approaching very quickly and will affect our sales and service availability. Therefore, we wish to inform you now about our holiday schedule.  The last day for sending out shipments this year is Monday, December 16th.  Our offices will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd until January 5th. We’ll be back in the office and ready to serve you on Monday, January 6th.  Please keep these dates in mind for your upcoming product and service needs.  Thank you.

Join professional Rigging Advisor, Eric Porter, in a back to basics video that focuses on the well-known and well-loved Roundsling.  In his latest video outing, Eric visits the polyester roundsling and how this versatile, gentle and lower pressure contact sling should be used…and not be used! He also covers labels found on roundslings, as well as how pyrotechnics and narrow beam stage lamps have an adverse affect on them.  Click here to watch the video and get up to speed on roundslings.

As 2019 comes to an end, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support. We greatly appreciate your business and look forward to strengthening our valued relationship in the coming new year and beyond.  May your Christmas holidays be filled with joy and the new year bring continued health and success.

LITEC has just released a new, dynamic video on A4i.tv that shows its PR60 Revolution truss in action. The PR60 is a new, revolutionary pre-rig truss solution that allows for the quick and easy mounting of light fixtures at almost any position along the length of the truss by a single person.  Specifically designed for touring, it allows for super quick set-up/breakdown and requires less space for transport and storage.  Click here to the see the PR60 in action and witness the revolution!

Visit us in Stand 5-T145 at the 2020 ISE Show in Amsterdam. This year marks our debut at this important exhibition and we’re looking forward to your visit.  Our sales & technical representatives will be at the stand and ready to speak with you about your truss accessory requirements and upcoming projects.  We’ll be easy to find. Just look up for our logo and the big, red Area Four Industries “4”.  See you soon!

The 2020 edition of Rigger’s Voice turned its ear to voices from the North, as extremely experienced riggers and production professionals from Scandinavia travelled to Area Four Industries Headquarters in Roudnice nad Labem, Czech Republic for this annual, elite conference.  Coming from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, attendees took part in high-level rigging and support structure discussions that were led by Area Four Industries Technical Director Norbert Tripp from 11th – 12th February. Many questions were asked, various rigging, truss and support structure discussions held, and even truss stress tests conducted during the two jam packed days. Participants were also treated to a grand tour of the MILOS factory.  Ideas and recommendations from these experienced professionals, for helping steer future product development by Area Four Industries brands, were also provided during the conference. This information is highly valued by each brand and is an important part of every Rigger’s Voice.  The two full days of the Rigger’s Voice conference were separated by a fun and exciting evening in the capital city of Prague. Attendees enjoyed a scenic boat ride on the Vltava River, which features fantastic views of the historic city, with dinner and drinks at a traditional Czech restaurant.  After two days of diving deep into the rigging and support structure pool of knowledge, attendees went back to their respective countries with newfound information to share with their company and colleagues, thereby helping to increase the level of safety in our industry.  Contact us today at info@areafourindustries.comif you’re an experienced rigger or production professional that would like to join the 2021 edition of Rigger’s Voice.Click hereto see the video from Rigger´s Voice.  www.areafourindustries.com

Introducing the Rigging Commandos, an elite rigging & trussing team that Area Four Industries have put together to achieve one of their core pillars and mission goals – elevate event engineering & safety practices in the entertainment industry through continuous education programs.   Made up of six team members, the Rigging Commandos bring their extensive knowledge and practical experience directly to your phone or computer screen with a series of interesting and entertaining rigging & trussing videos. The videos are produced throughout the year and released to the public on A4i.tv - the world’s first video portal dedicated exclusively to rigging & trussing. With A4i.tv, rigging & trussing knowledge is only moments away from your screen.   Members of the Rigging Commandos team were specifically chosen not only for their knowledge and experience in entertainment production, but also for their ability to communicate directly with riggers and technicians. They live and work in their world.   Let’s meet the team.  Eric Porter, British Rigging Consultant and Head Rigging Commando, leads the charge on the rigging & trussing battlefield with his wealth of practical knowledge and world-wide tour experience that goes back almost fifty years.  Dipl.-Ing Norbert Tripp, German Structural Engineer and Area Four Industries’ Technical Director, takes you to the front line of static calculations, physical truss characteristics and support structure physics that keep you working smarter and safer.  Adam Beaumont, British EXE TECHNOLOGY Brand Manager and seasoned entertainment professional, guides you on missions high above the entertainment stage to where hoists thrive, exploring their inner workings and providing information on how to use them correctly.  Will Todd, TOMCAT COO and highly experienced tough guy in the rigging & trussing arena, serves as the hard-hitting expert who attacks rigging & trussing practices and products needed for your daily entertainment production activities.  Adrian Forbes, TOMCAT/JTE/Area Four Industries America Sales & Marketing Director and double agent, sneaks you behind the curtain of the rigging & trussing world to reveal the tips, valuable rigging practices and product knowledge gathered over his decades of experience on both American and British soil.  David Gore, American Communications Specialist and holder of product facts, features and benefits, introduces you to the trussing & rigging products that allow you to apply knowledge gained from his Commando teammates in their safe and effective use.   Going forward, the Rigging Commandos will continue to carry out the important mission given to them by Area Four Industries -  increase the knowledge and safety of entertainment production professionals around the world for the good of all in the industry.  Area Four Industries have been the first to bring the leading “always & everywhere” educational portal A4i.tv to the event engineered support structures market and create a group of trainers called the “Rigging Commandos”.

A4I.tv is delighted to announce that Eric Laanstra is the latest expert to join the renowned Rigging Commandos, a group of specialists who present the very latest developments happening in the industry. Hailing from the Netherlands, Eric has worked at Prolyte for 20 years, first in Sales, and then for the past 10 years as Product Manager. As he says, “I hope I can continue as Prolyte Product Manager for many years and have lots of fun with my new colleagues at Area4Industries.” A frame of mind that fits perfectly into the Rigging Commando’s ethos. Rigging Commandos is an elite group of respected experts who take an in-depth view of topics exciting interest within the industry. They identify closely with riggers and technicians and are constantly looking at ways to increase safety and efficiency at work. Never boring or dry, the Commandos work hard, but are certainly not afraid to enjoy themselves. A4I.tv is the perfect complement to their talents. Designed to meet the educational challenges met with in this fast-paced industry, A4I.tv offers an extensive range of educative and informative videos that can be watched on PCs, laptops, and mobile phones anywhere, anytime. Incredibly useful if you have problems on-site. With the arrival of Eric Laanstra, the “You Know What. We Know How,” philosophy of Area Four Industries is certain to continue influencing and improving industry standards. Prolyte brings something new every year. Founded in 1991 in Leek, Holland, Prolyte has quickly become famous around the world due to its in-house expertise and of being one step ahead of the competition with a new mentality and new energy: “Prolyte. Feel Fantastic”  

In view of the current situation regarding the COVID-19 virus in the Czech Republic, we regretfully announce the postponement of the 2020 Milos Product Academy.We are committed to implementing the highest level of safety measures for both the organisers and participants of the Milos Product Academy, and will inform you over the following weeks of the dates of the rearranged event. We are hopeful that the event can be rescheduled for September.Milos. A 25+ years young brand, with fast, flexible, and affordable quality solutions. “Milos works better”

The Corona Virus pandemic, and the associated restrictions on personal contact, have led to drive-in theatres becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. The projection screens used in drive-in theatres are typically either inflatable movie screens or LED screens suspended by a truss structure. In a 90-minute webinar, Dipl.-Ing. Norbert Tripp, Technical Director of Area Four Industries, explains the peculiarities of ‘Temporary Outdoor LED Screen Structures.’ Utilizing descriptive graphics and on-site videos, the behaviour of LED screens is described including what effects they can have on the supporting structure and how these characteristics should be considered in actual practice. The webinar includes clear explanations of what to consider when hanging LED walls, information relating to relevant standards of safety, and what good construction will enable you to achieve. Be sure not to miss this extremely informative and timely webinar.Register Today! LIVE WEBINAR: Wednesday, 17th of June, 2020, at 10.00 (CET) Limited Capacity!! Register here for the Free Webinar.

The growth of the Area Four Industries group is unstoppable. Today, we are delighted to announce another significant step forward in bridging the gap with customers – namely, the opening of three new Area Four Industries Direct companies. And this means only one thing – a better service experience to existing and new customers with faster delivery of goods throughout all of our brands, complemented with vast educational resources in the field of event-engineered support structures. Where are the new Area Four Industries Direct offices located?Area Four Industries Direct Česko Here you can now find representation of all A4I brands - MILOS, LITEC, TOMCAT, JTE, PROLYTE, EXE TECHNOLOGY, XTRUSS, XSTAGE, and MOBILTECHLIFTS. “We are thrilled about the opening of the new Area Four Industries Direct office in the Czech Republic, where all brands within the Area Four Industries group portfolio are represented. We look forward to a very exciting future ahead.“ Frantisek Zykan Managing Director Area Four Industries Česko City: Roudnice nad Labem Tel: +420 416 837 846 www.areafourindustries.com info@areafourindustries.comArea Four Industries Direct Italia The representation of all brands of the Area Four Industries group will also be introduced for the first time in Italy. “After working all of these years as manufacturer for the LITEC/JTE brand of truss, and EXE TECHNOLOGY lifting equipment, we are excited to further expand our role within the Area Four Industries group and become the Italian Hub for brands like MILOS, PROLYTE, XSTAGE & MOBILTECH. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity going forward and we will do our best to drive the success of this mission!“ Fabio Prada Managing Director Area Four Industries Direct Italia City: Casale sul Sile Tel: +39 0422 997 300 info@areafourindustries.it www.areafouridnustries.itArea Four Industries Direct Middle East Representation of the LITEC, JTE, PROLYTE and EXE TECHONOLOGY brands. "The Middle East office will have an important key role in providing clients direct access to the set of world-renowned truss, staging, and hoist brands belonging to the Area Four Industries group, including LITEC, PROLYTE, JAMES THOMAS ENGINEERING, and EXE hoists. We are very excited to be part of this dynamic and innovative truss group, as it gives us the opportunity to develop our customer relationships, provide better service with faster delivery of products, and expand our technology expertise and innovation across the GCC and Middle East region". Kevin Boujikian General Manager Area Four Industries Direct Middle East City: Dubai Tel: +971 55 445.4855 accounts@areafourindustries.me www.areafourindustries.me Contact the Area Four Industries Direct office in your area today for more information or to request a meeting. Area Four Industries

Enormous interest was shown in Norbert Tripp's live webinar from both the European and American markets. Capacity was completely filled within hours of being announced, and in a word, your feedback on it was amazing! For this reason, we have decided to do an additional (and last) reprise of this webinar on Thursday, 13 August at 18:00 CET. Book your place now before it’s too late. Make your reservation now! Date: 13th August 2020 Time: 06:00 PM (CET) / 12:00 AM (EDT) / 09:00 AM (PDT) The corona pandemic, and the associated restrictions on personal contact, has contributed to an increase in the popularity of drive-in theaters across many countries. The screens are usually inflatable movie screens standing on the ground or LED screens suspended by a truss structure. Dipl.-Ing. Norbert Tripp, Technical Director of Area Four Industries, explains the peculiarities of "temporary outdoor LED screen structures" in a session that lasts about 90 minutes. With the help of descriptive graphics and on-site videos, the behavior of LED screens is described, what effects they can have on the supporting structure and how these special characteristics are encountered in practice. The session includes explanations of what to consider when hanging LED walls, what information is provided by the relevant standards and what a good structure should be able to do.What did participants say about the previous episodes? It was a fantastic seminar. Well prepared with all possible questions asked and answered. This topic has been around for years and you are the first one to properly cover it. I just wanted to thank you personally for taking the time to present a very informative webinar. Your points and opinions were great at stimulating some very valid learning points. I look forward to your next one. It was a great webinar - answered a few questions that have been bugging me about grounding screens mid show or over night. … and many others. Don't miss this last opportunity and register now.Register here! Area Four Industries Education for everyone

Xtruss accessories considerably extend the scope and use of traditional trusses. These systemised, modular add-ons allow for the easy mounting of a diverse range of materials. Xtruss multiplies the amount of applications and reinterprets a proven construction principle! It allows your trussing to be reconfigured and reinvented with minimal investment. Your existing inventory of trusses can be transformed from a graphic back wall to a cladded booth or a banner tower, depending on your need or application. Xtruss accessories give you the means to greatly expand your potential truss applications. See application examples…A simple and practical front banner.The ability to build a banner for use as an inside corner.The ability to build a banner for use as an inner corner.“Under the Corner Banner“ lineup for even greater stability.