Hibino USA, a division of Hibino Corporation of Japan, is acquiring longtime audio, lighting and rigging company, TLS Productions (TLSP) of Ann Arbor, Mich. The joint announcement was made by executives of both companies on Feb 5.
TLSP (formerly a part of Tobins Lake Studios founded in Brighton, Mich., in 1954) was established in 1996. In 2012, the ownership changed through a management-led buyout, and the company headquarters moved to Ann Arbor in 2013. TLSP owners Brad Hayes, CEO, and Bill Ross, CAO/president, will continue in their current leadership roles, and manage the new enterprise into the future. TLSP employs about 30 permanent team members in Ann Arbor and Las Vegas, where it has studio, office and warehouse space. It also utilizes more than 100 contract employees as needed on a show-to-show basis in major markets across the U.S.
TLSP becomes a sister company of H&X Technologies, Irvine, Calif. Established in 2017, H&X is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HIBINO USA, and a breakthrough provider of LED media for large, live audience events and experiential marketing applications. H&X CEO Greg Redman says the new partnership makes great sense for each organization, and means increased, global resources for the U.S. customers of TLSP; more access to markets in Europe and Asia for TLSP; and a stronger portfolio of production services for HIBINO in the U.S.
“TLS is a solid and proven leader in the field of audio, lighting and rigging production in the United States,” says Redman. “The firm has built its presence at major tradeshows, corporate events, theatrical venues and auto shows, and in permanent locations in public spaces such as museums, universities and casinos. TLSP has earned an excellent and well-deserved reputation in the industry,” adding, “Today, our team just got a lot stronger.”
Founded in 1964, Hibino Corporation is a global sound and visual specialist, and leading supplier of superior, high-resolution LED screens and compelling sound equipment. With more than 1,000 employees around the world, Hibino is a total solutions company that provides integrated and comprehensive guidance to help meet the diverse needs of its customers.
According to Redman, the current business model to provide products and services to event production customers and marketing agencies in the U.S. has shifted toward the so-called “turnkey” approach, which provides integrated one-stop services including audio, visual, lighting, rigging and its design and operations.
TLSP and H&X have developed mutually complementing business alliances to work towards fulfilling the demand for current and prospective customers of both HIBINO subsidiaries. The 2017 establishment of H&X and acquisition of TLSP is a major component of HIBINO’s enhancement of its global business development and growth strategy.
H&X Technologies, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., helps its clients drive brand engagement through cutting-edge LED media technology, whether it’s an auto show, corporate event or large-scale marketing opportunity. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hibino Corporation H&X is able to leverage the resources of an internationally-renowned leader in audio-visual and LED technology, providing leading technology that helps its clients to present dazzling visual displays and meaningful messaging. For more info, visit https://hxusa.com
TLS Productions, Inc., offers a turnkey operation, providing consultation and all the necessities to design, rig and light exhibits, productions and permanent installations of any size, including state of the art audio and video elements. TLSP offer equipment rentals and sales encompassing most international brands and both electronic and mechanical repairs are done in house. TLSP also provides theatrical draperies for rental and sale and can fabricate drapery to meet specific needs. For more info, visit www.tlsproductionsinc.com
