Hibino USA Acquires TLS Productions Hibino USA, a division of Hibino Corporation of Japan, today announced that it has acquired longtime audio, lighting, and rigging company, TLS Productions (TLSP) of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The joint announcement was made by executives of both companies. TLSP (formerly a part of Tobins Lake Studios founded in Brighton, Michigan, 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 US. TLSP becomes a sister company of H&X Technologies, Irvine, California. 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 US customers of TLSP; more access to markets in Europe and Asia for TLSP; and a stronger portfolio of production services for Hibino in the US. "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 trade shows, 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," adds Redman. "Today, our team just got a lot stronger." Founded in 1964, Hibino Corporation is a global sound and visual specialist, and leading supplier of 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 US 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. TLSP also provides theatrical draperies for rental and sale and can fabricate drapery to meet specific needs. 
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