J. R. Clancy Introduces the VARION Versatility Hoist

	J. R. Clancy's VARION Versatility hoist

In response to customer demand for a lightweight hoist that fits in a wide variety of spaces, J. R. Clancy plans to introduce its new VARION Versatility hoist in booth 1301 at the USITT Stage Expo, March 26 - 29 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The new VARION Versatility hoist can be used for front-of-house and onstage applications. Unconstrained by the width of the theatre space, the VARION hoist can be installed so that its first line can be dropped within inches of the wall, depending on the beam -- making this hoist the right choice for theatre retrofits with tight spaces.

"The VARION hoist makes automation possible in facilities that could not accommodate it before," said Matt Mullen, J. R. Clancy domestic sales manager. "Available with a cable management system and the customer's choice of SceneControl 5000 series rigging control consoles, the VARION hoist brings the versatility of motorized rigging to venues like historic theatres, school, and university theatre renovations, churches, and new construction."

The VARION Versatility hoist can be mounted on any existing infrastructure, including a building's bar joist, without causing horizontal stresses on the structure. It can be used for electrics, curtains, drops, or front-of-house stage lighting or speakers.

Lightweight -- barely 300lb -- and compact, the hoist's motor can fit at almost any point on VARION's robust backbone. Loft blocks can be mounted almost anywhere on the beam, so they can fit around specific objects or be placed to coincide with openings. The hoist's open design provides ready access, making maintenance simple by allowing technicians to inspect all parts of the hoist.

With batten lengths up to 45' and as much as 50' of travel, the VARION hoist delivers a gross lifting capacity of 1,500lb at a fixed speed of 15' per minute. Five lift lines feature steel guides, so there's no danger of cables crossing the groove. The hoist can be underhung from beams or installed upright on a grid.

"Equally important, this affordable hoist gives you the flexibility you need at a price point your budget can handle," said Mullen.

The VARION Versatility hoist is the newest addition to the complete package of rigging solutions from J. R. Clancy, the company with nearly 130 years of rigging innovation history.