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INSIDE LOOK
SPECIAL EFFECTS IN THE UAE TPMEA SPEAKS TO TWO LEADING COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST ABOUT WHY THEY CHOSE TO SET UP SHOP IN THE REGION, AND HOW THEIR AREAS OF EXPERTISE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROGRESS AND FLOURISH AS THE INDUSTRY’S DESIRE FOR INNOVATIVE SHOW DESIGNS INCREASES.
MICHAEL HILGEMANN, MATRIX LASER Can you tell us how and why the company was established? I joined the technology company, TARM, in Germany in 1984 when I saw my first laser beam in their workshop. All of the possibilities fascinated me and I became addicted to it. The funny thing is that at this point in time we are talking about water-cooled laser systems with output power of a mere 1W-3W. Thanks to TARM, I completed an intensive training course on lasers at Coherent and Spectra Physics in Palo Alto, USA. Subsequently I was tasked with fixed laser installations worldwide, eventually being responsible for installations and after sales service globally. During this time, my current business partner Dieter Hartzsch was working in the TARM’s Electronic Development division. He was notably at the helm of the development of a new laser controller based on Pangolin QM 2000 boards. He went on to develop controllers like the Key Desk 1, Key Desk 2, and Key Desk 3, which were incredible live controllers at the time. At the same time, he also developed the VIDAL3 which was a playback system for pre-programmed laser shows, based on a Tascam Dat Player. After the unfortunate insolvency of TARM Laser Technologies in 2003, we decided to combine our various skills and experience within the laser industry and established Matrix Laser GmbH in Witten, Germany in 2003. We were able to provide to the servicing requirements of our old and new clients as well as apply our own ideas and concepts to enhance the wellknown service and quality we were accustomed to within the industry. Why did you choose the ME market as your next location? Opportunities soon emerged, mainly bringing us from primarily a fixedinstallation sector, to the rental business. Owing to a good relationship with the former Avolites representative in Abu Dhabi, we were able to supply lasers to shows within the GCC well before opening a branch of our company here. More and more requests started pouring in from this region. As everyone quickly learns, it is near impossible to do business in the GCC from a desktop in Europe and we started toying with the idea of possibly opening an office in the UAE. Dieter and I made the decision that I would move temporarily to the UAE in 2006, with the aim to physically meet key players in the industry and look closely at the possible ways of opening an office here. The plan was to find somebody to run the business locally on our behalf. Let’s just say this six-month plan did not exactly work out. I realised that I was really enjoying working here and enjoying the lifestyle of the UAE, mostly the fantastic sunshine and all the opportunities to be outdoors and not freezing. I started looking forward to establishing myself here after
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years and years of travelling. We officially founded Matrix Laser (Michael Hilgemann Lighting) in early 2007. Soon, I met my wife over here and started a family. We have now happily been living in Abu Dhabi for over 10 years with our seven-year-old daughter, Isabella. Moving here was definitely the right decision and one that I have never regretted. Since this time, Dieter has been taking care of Matrix Laser GmbH in Germany. He simultaneously develops several products for Pangolin, which is one of the world market leaders in Laser Control Software. This gives us the added advantage of testing new products under the extreme condition here in the Gulf such as extreme heat, humidity, sand and dust. Can you tell us about your inventory and key products? In the GCC market we are very much focussed on the rental market, which is the biggest contrast to the German market. Sales to the GCC are still controlled from our German office, with myself as local support and contact. We offer Laser Systems in the Power Range from 3W-30W and higher for specific functions. We focus mainly on using Coherent Laser for our systems, which are state of the art laser sources worldwide. We absolutely do not compromise on power, colours, brilliance and reliability.