robe About
Robe lighting is the fastest growing moving light manufacturer in the world. The company is based in the Czech Republic and produces high quality intelligent lighting projectors for the professional entertainment, architectural and themed environment markets Embedded in the company philosophy is the practise of working as closely with our business partners and end users as possible, listening to their needs, thoughts and wishes and understanding their markets. Knowing our business is based on numerous individuals, we endeavour to meet as many of them face-to-face as possible. Building the “Robe Family” means allcomments and feedback are welcome. The Robe brand
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Company Profile
is still experiencing record growth in all sectors and our products can be found on stages, in concert halls and TV studios all over the world. Over 350 employees work at Robe’s primary 20.000 square metre facility in Valašské Meziříčí, and the products are exported – via a worldwide distributor network – to over 90 countries and 5 continents. The administration side of the company is constantly expanding to keep pace with the increases in production. The future is full of ambitious plans and ideas, and Robe continues to focus on designing and producing well-engineered products meeting the creative, technical and practical demands of our wide range of users and investors.
Introduction Robe lighting’s two founder/owners Josef Valchář and Ladislav Petřek are both still actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company.
Josef Valchář is very much a public face of Robe lighting, and is constantly on the road, at exhibitions and visiting distributors, listening to feedback and opinions and checking out shows and events to see how the products are being utilised. This is fed back to various departments within the company, and acted on to ensure that products and services are constantly evolving.
Ladislav Petřek oversees all
Valchář states: “This is a very exciting time to be involved in lighting manufacture with the increasing convergence between the mediums of lighting and video into an integrated visual tool. Heightened awareness of global warming and the importance of producing energy efficient lightsources for the future is also starting to shape our industry. These and other issues are already influencing our future plans and R ‘n’ D at Robe – which continues along the proactive and innovative path that has made it a market leader.”
fantastic teamwork across all
Robe’s fiscal affairs and corporate infrastructure elements including staff welfare – everything that makes the operation smooth and efficient. He is also coordnating the ongoing development of Robe’s everexpanding factory site, including managing the new construction projects and the refurbishment of existing facilities. Petřek says: “Robe enjoys some departments. We are very lucky to have a young, well-trained, highly motivated and engaged workforce, all of whom help maintain the high standards for which the brand is renowned. Considerable time and energy is dedicated to creating a convivial, inclusive atmosphere throughout the company, in which people feel valued and can excel.”
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Company Profile
History 1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1990 – 1993
Petřek had started importing PAR cans, mirror balls and other lighting equipment from Germany, and spotted a growing market for lighting installations opening up post Velvet Revolution. He then started to design and build sound activated lighting effects, which were marketed through his company ProLux. Valchář was recruited as a Sales Manager. In 1993 they started to design their first Scans.
1994
Valchář had his sights on developing an entire product range and selling into other parts of Europe, and so the two decided to collaborate in this joint venture – and Robe Show Lighting was born. Robe’s first Frankfurt ProLight & Sound exhibition scored their first OEM customer – Steinigke Showtechnic GmbH. Robe’s initial products were scanners and sound activated fixtures. Also their ‘Dominator’ effect broke new ground in using the first generation of servo motors, and all Robe products were made DMX controllable from this point onwards.
1995
Rimini 1995 saw the launch of new scanners, using the first generation of stepper motors – upping the success and reliability stakes.n By this time, Robe had expanded rapidly to 25 people and bought their current 1.000 square metre office premises in Hážovice.Manufacturing and administration both moved into that building.
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Company Profile
1995
1996
1999
Hii H
A period of steady and sustainable growth culminated in the next technological breakthrough – the introduction of the 250 Spot and Wash moving heads. After bringing these products to the market, Robe was approached by Coemar to produce an entire range of products under the TAS brand name, which was launched at PLASA that year as the “Millenium” range. This quality and costeffective product proved a massive success, and also introduced Robe to a whole new strata of clients.
2000
In 2000 Robe started to work for Movietec (Germany), Starway (France) and Sagitter in Italy – to produce moving lights for these companies as OEM manufacturer. The Millennium was an incredible year for Robe and saw the tripling of their previous annual turnover to 20 million DM.
2001
In January 2001, Robe acquired its current factory premises (then 5.000 square metres) in Valašské Meziříčí. It was completely gutted and modernised and production moved in during November.
2002
The landmark year in which ‘Robe’ launched as a brand in its own right at the SIB exhibition in Rimini. PLASA 2002 saw the launch of Robe‘s latest generation of moving lights – the AT (Advanced Technology) Series. Robe’s distributor network expanded to include over 50 countries.
story s tory to 2003
2007
2005
2008
Robe UK Ltd., Robe America and Robe Italia established – set up to exclusively supply and market the rapidly expanding Robe brand in these regions.Robe’s ColorSpot and ColorWash 1200 AT Series was launched and fast became one of its most popular products, and a cornerstone of the AT Series.
Robe S.E.A. was established in Singapore to operate as a sales and support office integrating and co-ordinating Robe’s rapidly expanding business in South East Asia. A 4 Million Euro refurbishment of the factory at Valašské Meziříčí was completed, which saw it’s expans, on to the current 14.000 square metres, including 6.000 metres of manufuacturing and warehouse facilities. Robe also acquired another 13.000 square metre site adjascent to the main building, including 4.000 square metres of production space. Anolis – Robe’s architectural LED lighting brand was established.
2006
Launch of the ColorSpot 2500E AT fixture – Robe’s largest spotfixture to date. PLASA saw launch of 12 dynamic new products including the StageQube 324 and the 700 Series of moving lights.
Robe America was renamed “Robe Lighting Inc.” May 2007 the new 1.800 square metre R ‘n’ D Centre was opened at Valašské Meziříčí. At PLASA, Robe Show Lighting became “Robe lighting” and the company was completely re-branded, reflecting the diversification of its product range and markets.
Robe bought DIOFLEX, its long term PCB and electronic part supplier.
2009
Robe lighting hosted the 3rd International Dealer Conference in Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic. It was attended by over 150 people representing Robe distributors from around the world.
2010
The reconstruction of “the old bakery” building in Valasske Mezirici was completed and all Robe offices in Hazovice moved to their new premises. The whole Robe family is now together in a central location. Robe established a new subsidiary in The United Arab Emirates – Robe U.A.E with a head office in Abu Dhabi.
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Company Profile
Product ranges 19933 OEM
In 1993, Robe started OEM manufacturing high quality moving lights for a series of leading brands.
1999
2002
XT SERIES
AT SERIES
A period of steady, sustainable growth led to the introduction of the first 250 Spot and Wash moving heads in the XT Series. This was followed by a full range of XT products including scanners, colour changers and other moving heads.
Launched in 2002, Robe‘s Advanced Technology (AT) series has been carefully evolved to offer lighting designers the widest possible choice and flexibility for all types of lighting schemes – tours, live events, TV productions, theatre shows, clubs, bars, restaurants or architectural installations.
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Company Profile
2004 DT SERIES
In 2004 Robe introduced the DT Series, a new concept in digital lighting, recognising the growing convergence between video and lighting mediums. The DT Series is for all applications requiring moving and variable projection sources.
Product ranges
20055 ANOLIS
In 2005 Anolis was founded to start manufacturing its own brand of high quality LED based products. This was in anticipation of an increasing awareness of the need for “green� energy and carbon-emission saving lightsources worldwide. In that short time, Anolis has established itself as a leading brand in architectural, retail, commercial and industrial markets.
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2008
CLUB SERIES
LED SERIES
Reflecting its growing popularity and impact in the club sector, in 2006 Robe launched the new Club series. The fixtures are all packed with functionality and features in true Robe style, and are engineered to withstand the tough and demanding environment of clubs, bars, restaurants and venues of all types.
2009 ROBIN
Robe presented the amazing new Robin (Robe Innovative Concept) range of moving light products. The first fixtures in the revolutionary Robin series were a Robin 300 Plasma Spot, a Robin 300E Spot & a Robin 300E Wash.
Three high powered LED products, a CitySource 96, a CitySkape 48 and a CitySkape Xtreme, were unveiled. This series represents a flexible and powerful line of outdoor LED products for a wide range of applications.
RED SERIES
Recognising the need to produce environmentally friendly light sources and reduce carbon emissions for the future, Robe launched its RED series in 2006.
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Company Profile
Production process ROBE´S FACTORY
EMPLOYS OVER 350 SKILLED PERSONNEL, ALL DEDICATED TO STRONG TEAMWORK.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The research and development department has many expert engineers who are engaged in developing the mechanical, optical and electronic parts of the products. They are focused on developing and designing high quality, well engineered products to meet the creative, technical and practical demands of Robe’s diverse client base. The company also invests a considerable amount of money in software development. Mass production techniques follow a rigorous and precise pattern of prototype testing.
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PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
This department is divided into two sections - one deals with international sourcing and the other within the Czech Republic. This involves the coordination and purchase of over 10.000 parts.
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Company Profile
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PRE-PRODUCTION
MECHANICAL PARTS Individual mechanical parts are produced on the latest CNC punching and bending machines and finished using a special process to ensure the best aesthetics.
ELECTRONICS The individual parts of each of the electronic modules are placed on an SMD automated machine.
GOBOS, LASERS Robe has invested heavily in laser machinery for designing and developing its colour mixing systems and gobos. Keeping all the necessary manufacturing processes inhouse has also been a key issue to controlling and overseeing the construction and quality of each product.
Production process
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PRODUCTION
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LOGISTIC CENTRE
The production process involves several operations – the assembly of independent mechanical parts and optical devices; the completion of individual components and their electrical connections, and the assembly of electronic modules... culminating in the basic setup of each product.
This massive space doubled in size is utilized for storing all products prior to dispatch. Once the finished goods are ready to go, they are swiftly dispatched worldwide to their final destinations via Robe´s global distributor network.
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TESTING
Precise calibration and testing of all product functions is vital to the production process. All fixtures are run through a series of thorough ‘soak’ tests to ensure they are ready for the reliable operation for which Robe has become renowned.
INSTALLATIONS, APLICATIONS
As Robe’s reputation has grown, its products are in constant use on a variety of appliactions, high profile shows and installations worldwide.
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PACKAGING
All products are packed into specially designed containers or flight-cases for safe transportation all around the world.
…IT´S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE
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Company Profile
Services
Services MARKETING
Robe’s international sales and logistic teams ensure that the company‘s famous ‘personal touch’ is consistant, genuine and appreciated the world over.
TRAINING
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Robe lighting organises regular training sessions for its distributors to fully acquaint them with the latest technology and product developments.
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SALES & LOGISTICS
Robe’s agile and efficient marketing team drives a highly proactive PR campaign and an informative, constantly updated website. Working on a very personal basis with distributors sales‘ teams and end users in all areas, this ensures Robe keeps in touch, first hand, with the creative application of products and the work of specifiers and users.
Company Profile
Robe lighting has an excellent and highly accessible technical support team made up of experienced industry-aware technicians and engineers. They are used to working under pressure and delivering within tight timescales.
Distribution
Robe has a worldwide distributor network encompassing over 90 countries and spanning 5 continents. Our partners all share the same enthusiasm, ambition and energy to drive Robe forward.
Network of Distributors
Albania Algeria Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Barbados Belarus Belgium Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Chile China Croatia Cyprus
Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Estonia Etiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Guatemala Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran
Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Korea Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxemburg Macedonia Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro
Morocco Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Norway Oman Panama Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Quatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia
South Africa South East Asia Spain Sri Lanka Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tchad Thailand Tunisia Turkey United Arab Emirates Ukraine United Kingdom United States of America Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam
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Company Profile
International team Josef Valchář General Manager + CEO
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Company Profile
Ladislav Petřek Managing Director
Harry von den Stemmen Sales Director Robe
John Saunders Sales Director Anolis
Mick Hannaford Managing Director Robe UK Ltd. (UK)
Ingo Dombrowski Key Account Manager Europe
Aleš Gřivač Technical Sales
Ivana Holubová Technical Support Manager
Robe team
Robe’s lively and proactive international team combines energy and expertise. Their accessibility and good communication skills are a key to the company’s success and future strategies.
Jiří Holub Technical Director
David Orság Production Director
Rostislav Hába R & D Director
Boris Krylov Regional Sales Manager Russian speaking countries
Elie Battah Regional Sales Manager Middle East
Guillermo Traverso Regional Sales Manager South America
Renata Stodůlková Sales Operations Manager
Jiří Bubnik Project Manager
Mikuláš Parma Head of Research Laboratory
Jiří Baroš Marketing Manager
Jarmila Fusková Head of Accounting
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Company Profile
Exhibitions
Exhibitions ROBE LIGHTING participates in all the major international trade shows for the professional lighting industry. Exhibitions are a key element of the global marketing strategy and an ideal forum for meeting and exchanging ideas and information with clients and end users from all areas of the industry. It’s part of the company’s philosophy to design eye-catching booths which are deliberately open plan, ‘inclusive’ and inviting.
• Show-Way, Bergamo, Italy • Prolight and Sound, Frankfurt am Main; Germany • PALME Middle East, Dubai, UAE • PLASA Focus, Leeds, UK • PALM Expo, Beijing, China • PALME India, Mumbai, India • SLV Show, Singapore • PALME Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam • Integrate, Sydney, Australia • Music Moskow, Moscow, Russia • PLASA, London, UK • SIEL, Paris, France • LDI, Las Vegas, USA • ShowTech, Berlin, Germany • EuroShop, Dusseldorf, Germany • Entech, Sydney, Australia • Livinluce, Milano, Italy • Seatrade, Miami, Florida • GlobalShop, Chicago, USA • InfoComm, Las Vegas, USA • KOBA, Seoul, Korea • PALA, Bangkok, Thailand
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Company Profile
Trade associations
Trade associations
Robe lighting is a member of two major industry associations – ESTA and PLASA.
ESTA
THE PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING AND SOUND ASSOCIATION (PLASA)
is a non-profit trade association representing the entertainment technology industry dedicated to the core mission of ‘Building the Business of Show Business.’
is a trade association representing companies who manufacture, supply, hire, install or use lighting, sound, audio-visual and related technologies within the entertainment, presentation, architectural and communication industries.
Promoting professionalism and growth in the industry, ESTA provides a forum for interested parties to unite, exchange ideas and information and create standards and recommended practices. It also addresses issues of training and certification.
The Association‘s aim is to develop and promote all aspects of the industry on a global basis, acting generally in the common interests of the membership.
ESTA members supply a broad spectrum of products and services to the industry and ranges from large corporations to individual designers. Members include dealers, manufacturers, manufacturer‘s representatives, distributors, service and production companies, scenic houses, designers and consultants.
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Company Profile
Anolis About
ANOLIS was established to design and manufacture top-end LED lighting products. Since its conception, ANOLIS has gone from strength to strength, producing a constantly expanding range of products with a well balanced mix of innovation, imagination and experience. This, together with stateof-the-art lighting technology, has created a market leading range. Reliability is the first priority. ANOLIS uses only the highest quality components and precision manufacturing techniques, ensuring that the brand offers all the benefits associated with LED lighting: extreme efficiency, long life, low maintenance, low heat and no UV output. Combining these characteristics with industry standard wdimensions and flexible control options, true specifier-class lighting systems can be created. ANOLIS products can be seen in a wide variety
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Company Profile
of applications worldwide, and embrace many market sectors including architectural, commercial, industrial, transport, retail, domestic and entertainment lighting. From discreet white colour-controlled accent lighting to full RGB building illumination, ANOLIS products present lighting designers and architects with creative solutions for the most demanding client requirements. All ANOLIS products meet the relevant product directives and bear the CE mark. Some also bear the ETL Mark, and approval for the remaining products is currently pending. Maintaining a close working relationship with the leading component manufacturers ensures that ANOLIS stays at the forefront of the ever-evolving LED market. New technologies are constantly allowing higher output and greater efficiency which continues to open up new market opportunities. ANOLIS is the professional choice - both now and for the future.
Production
Anolis
Production
The first Anolis production facilities were in a specially dedicated building at the Robe lighting factory in Valasske Mezirici, Czech Republic. By early 2008, demand for products had grown so substantially and LED technology had developed so rapidly, that the operation was moved to a new, vastly expanded state-of-the-art facility nearby. Here, utilising the latest pick-and-place and flow solder
techniques, Anolis can populate its own substrate LED PCBs. This brought a vastly increased flexibility to the process, plus the ability for a very quick turnaround and delivery of projects comprising either off-the-shelf or custom designed products. The new factory also resulted in optimum delivery time effi ciency, with the scope to produce often massive orders, sometimes running to several kilometres of product or several thousand fixtures.
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Company Profile
Exhibitions
Anolis exhibitions Anolis is a global company with a comprehensive distributor network, and actively exhibits at all the major international trade shows worldwide. Having a major presence at these exhibitions offers an invaluable opportunity to meet professionals from the world of architecture, design, art and built environments. The rapid pace at which LED technology is developing means that Anolis’s product range is constantly expanding with new options coming on-stream, and new ways of utilising environmentally sustainable lightsources. It’s also important for designers, specifiers and installers to understand that Anolis is at the forefront of the technical innovation unleashed through their imaginative and practical use of LED illumination.
• Light + Building, Franfurt am Main, Germany • EuroLuce, Milano, Italy • ARC show, London, UK • Euroshop, Duseldorf, Germany • GlobalShop, Orlando, USA • LightFair, Las Vegas, USA • InterLight, Moscow, Russia • ARC Moscow, Moscow, Russia • Light Middle East, Dubai, UAE
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Company Profile
References
Anolis references Anolis products have now been installed in a huge variety of application in over 30 countries world wide. The reliability and quality of the Anolis range of LED fixtures ensures impressive results every time, wether they are used to provide the correct
working environment within an office space or to prodcuce dramatic colour change effects to a buildings exterior facade Anolis’s comprehensive range offers a solution in the most demanding of circumstances.
photo©David Morrell
• Somerset House, London UK • Grand Ballroom of the Merrimu Reception Centre, Melbourne, Australia • Private House, Sovereign Island, Gold Coast, Australia • Korston Hotel, Kazan, The Republic of Tatarstan • ULA Office, Queensland, Australia (photo credits ULA) • Krys Optical, Wattrelos, France • Woodchester Mansion, Stroud, UK • College Michel-de-Swaen, Dankerque, France • Royal Palm Plasa • Empire Casino, London, UK • Leed Academy, Leeds, UK • Razzles, USA • Micca Club, Italy
• Gilgamesh Restaurant, London, UK • Consortium Club – Queensland, Australia (photo credits ULA) • Stylx Disco, Malta • Ice Space, London, UK • Mentone Hotel, Melbourne, Australia • St.Stephen´s Church, Bath, UK • Town Point Park, Norfolk, USA • QPACK - concert hall (photo credits Frederick Jones) • Mall of Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia • Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland
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Company Profile
Robe
References
• Eurovision 2005, 2007 • Ukraine, Finland • Winter Olympic Games 2006 • Italy • Wawffactor 2006 • United Kingdom • Miss Italia 2007 • Italy • Top of the Pops 2005 • Germany • Miss Universe 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,2010 • Slovakia • Meteor Irish Music Awards 2008 • Ireland • FIFA Preliminary Draw 2008 • South Africa
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Company Profile
TV
• South African TV • South Africa • Carrère Studios French TV • France • Miss World 2008, 2009 • South Africa • Superstar 2008, Germany • Strictly Come Dancing • United Kingdom • Cat Girl • Slovakia • Big Brother • South Africa • Eurovision 2009,2010 • Slovakia
References
Events
• DJ Tiësto 2006 • Brasil • Cirque Niagara 2006 • Canada • International Motor Show 2007 • Switzerland • New Cadillac Saloon in China 2008 • China • Brownlow Medal 2007, 2010 • Australia • Autosport International 2008 • United Kingdom • Blackpool Cenotaph 2008 • United Kingdom • Circus Conelli 2008 • United Kingdom • Launch Audi Q5 2008 • Slovakia • Dressed to Impress 2008 • Slovenia • Check In with Spice Girls 2008 • United Kingdom
• Quatorze Juillet in Paris 2008 • France • Fountain Show at La Alameda 2008 • Ecuador • Motor Show 2009 • Austria • Africa cup of Nation 2009 • Angola • Ocean Fantasy 2009 • China • Car Race PRO 7, 2009 • Germany • Autosports 2009 • United Kingdom • Durham cathedral 2009 • UK • Azura Crouise Ship 2010 • Nabuco at Massada 2010 • Israel • FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 • South Africa
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Company Profile
References
Venue
Theatre
photo©Ralph Larmann
• Detroit Red Wings NHL Play off • USA • MGM Grand Casino 2008 • USA • Casino de Vilamoura 2009 • Portugal • Parliment House 2010 • Helsinki • Queensbridge hotel • Australia
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Company Profile
• Prague Quadrennial • Czech Republic • Sundial Theatre • United Kingdom • Teatro Solis • Uruguay • Producers 2008 • Slovakia • Disney – Beauty and beast 2009 • South Africa • The Mighty Boosh, 2009 • United Kingdom • Lyric Theatre • South Africa
References
Church
• Cathedral of His Glory • North Carolina, USA • Saint Paul´s Lutheran Church • Florida, USA • Christ Chapel Bible Church 2008 • Texas, USA • Durham cathedral 2009 • UK • First Baptist Church • Fort Lauderdale, USA
Club
• Atlanta Underground • Australia • Vicar Street • United Kingdom • Coctail & Dreams • Australia • Leed Academy 2008 • United Kingdom • Three Kings Klub 2008 • Russia • Oval Office 2009 • USA • Bellini Grande 2009 • Singapore • Morava Club 2009 • Czech republic • Razzle΄s Club • USA
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Company Profile
References
Stage
• Deep Purple 2003 • World tour • Linking Park 2004 • World tour • Robbie Williams Concert 2006 • UAE • Intern. Musical Eisteddfod 2006 • United Kingdom • Police 2007/2008 • World tour • Genesis “Turn it on again” 2007 • World tour • Celine Dion “Taking Chances” 2008 • World tour • 46664 Concert, Johannesburg 2008 • South Africa • Paul McCartney Concert 2008 • Ukraine
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Company Profile
• Pussycat Dolls Concert 2008 • Russia • Massive Attack 2009 • United Kingdom • Pussycat Dolls Doll Domino tour 2009 • World tour • Hot Chip 2009 • United Kingdom • Planet Shakers 2009 • Australia • Physicians 2009 • European tour • Mark Knopfler 2010 • World tour • Kick off Concert FIFA 2010 World football cup • South Africa
References
Festival
• Global Gathering 2005, 2008, 2009 • United Kingdom • Glastonbury Festival 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 • United Kingdom • Raves on 2007 • Germany
• Parklife 2007 • Australia • Electric Picnic 2008 • Ireland • Exit 2008 • Serbia • Winter Sound System 2009 • Australia • MGG InniBossveld 2010 • South Africa
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Company Profile
Family Robe
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Company Profile
Robe family
We are proud to be working with some of the most talented and creative individuals in the professional lighting industry. We value their passion and commitment to their work and their dedication to producing the very best results.
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Company Profile
ROBE lighting s. r. o. Head Office: Hážovice 2090, Rožnov p. R. 756 61 Czech Republic Tel.: +420 571 751 500 Fax: +420 571 626 515 E-mail: info@robe.cz w w w.robe.c z August 2010 © ROBE lighting s. r. o.
Factory: Palackého 416, Valašské Meziříčí 757 01 Czech Republic