The purchase of the operating assets, which includes the patented Vortek technology, further strengthens Daktronics’ position in the sports industry with integrated video, scoring and display systems.
It also brings to Daktronics the ability to expand its product offering to existing customers, with a sophisticated rigging system for theatres, auditoriums and athletic venues.
Hoffend & Sons recently introduced its Vortek theatre rigging system, developed specifically to replace commonly used counterweight rigging systems, which were originally developed more than a century ago. The Vortek system is a complete, ceiling-to-floor system, including the hoist unit, blocks and battens, and automated control centre.
The Vortek system, according to Daktronics, provides greater safety by eliminating the need for crews to climb ladders and catwalks as well as eliminating the need to handle heavy counterweights above the stage. It also allows for much quicker scene changes, takes significantly less space than traditional counterweight systems, and reduces construction costs for new theatres.
“Daktronics has worked with the Hoffend team and its products for nearly a decade, primarily on sports projects that required robust and safe scoreboard hoist systems,” said Jim Morgan, president and CEO of Daktronics Inc.
He added: “Our sports customers have for many years demanded Hoffend hoist systems to complement our centerhung scoring and video systems. Hoffend hoist systems include the latest technologies with sophisticated safety features.“
Scott Seeman, chief operating officer of Hoffend & Sons, said: “With Daktronics engineering foundation, financial strength, marketing experience, and management backing, we are well positioned to market and deliver our new Vortek technology to the theatre industry.”
