August 1979
EML was born in Bilzen (Limburg /Belgium).
The first small set hired out consisted of a Martin PA, Hill mixing boards, 36KW Par lights, some tripods and Rank Strand dimmers and spotlights.
Where did the name EML come from? Originally (and don't be surprised) it was: Eminent Music Light. Why "Eminent"? Simply because when our new offices were painted out the engineers saw "Eminent" written somewhere and thought it was a smashing word. |
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1980
BVBA is established. EML becomes: "Elektriek Muziek Licht".
You can try it in any of many languages - Electricity Music Light / Electricité Musique Lumière - and it stays the same...: EML.
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From 1980
EML becomes one of the leading Rock 'n Roll hire companies in the Benelux countries.
1984
EML Rental and EML Sales split.
Herman Schueremans (Altsien concerts & festivals) and Hedwig De Meyer (Stageco) (www.stageco-staging.com) become the owners of EML Rental. Relocation to Werchter (Brabant /Belgium). EML Sales remains in Bilzen. |
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From 1988
Structural and logistical expansion of EML.
In the right place at the right time - EML becomes the supplier for various TV production companies and the commercial channel VTM.
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1992
VLB is established: Vari*Lite Benelux is the distributor for the Benelux states of computer-operated Vari*Lites and Intelligente Luminaires. (www.vari-lite.com)
Vari*Lite Luminaires could only be hired and to this day the series 200 & 300 can be hired only from EML.
From 1992
EML becomes the market leader in sound and lighting production for the TV sector and further expands into all aspects of public events (corporate dinners, presentations, exhibitions, musical happenings, meetings, conferences, etc.)
1995
D&D Productions becomes the majority shareholder. D&D Productions is a leading TV production company in the Benelux countries. |
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1997
Offices opened in the Netherlands, first in Amsterdam and later in Utrecht.
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1998
All shares are transferred to Vari*Lite International Inc. EML and VLB become Vari*Lite Productions Services (VLPS / EML).
1999
Offices opened in Spain, Madrid.
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2000
VLPS / EML buys up the entire stock of Vari*Lite Luminaires it held under a hire agreement with Vari*Lite Inc.
Touchwood (a subdivision of Seven Oaks) acquires all shares in VLPS / EML. Preparations to change the name back to EML.
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2001
EML "Creative Audio & Visual Solutions".
Pioneering advances in the world of sound. EML reacts accordingly with the purchase of the Adamson Line-Array PA.
Substantial investments in motors and accessories, and large amounts of all kinds of special equipment (light & sound) are purchased and made.
EML strikes up a partnership with Supporting Role in Austria (more info / see partners).
2002
Takeover of Vari*Lite Luminaires France. EML invests in the new types of Vari*Lite (series 1000 & 2000). EML now owns the biggest and most complete pool of Vari*Lite Luminaires on the European continent. The gobo and colour library is quite impressive and is one of the most comprehensive in Europe.
The various EML companies grow approximately 40% on 2000.
2003
Major structural and material expansion of EML Netherlands & Spain.
More pioneering innovation in sound. Investments in digital consoles. Investments are made in the Vari*Lite 3000 series. As a group EML scores a turnover of more than 10.000.000 € on an annual basis.
2004
EML celebrates its 25th anniversary. An historic year in all respects because, commercially, we can also proudly announce a growth of 30% on 2003.
In the Netherlands, the materials of Piebe#Lite are taken over and, in Spain, we note a major breakthrough into fixed productions.
The shares are bought up by Jan Van Malder (manager since 1985) and a company around some 'captains' of the Benelux entertainment industry from the Touchwood Holding group.
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2005
EML Nederland shows vigorous growth for the second year in succession.
A year that sees substantial investment in new technologies and special lighting armatures: 3D computer-assisted motor control (Kinesys), Syncrolites and various LED armatures.
Determined efforts are also made soundside, with additional purchases of the various Adamson line array types and digital consoles.
2006
EML continues to invest in Vari*Lite and thus develops its pool to approximately 2500 luminaires. This makes it far and away the biggest such pool on the European continent.
Start-up of a Sound Division in the Netherlands. EML now offers sound and light in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.
All the subsidiaries are now also booking steady growth, top-scorer being the Spanish subsidiary with a doubling of its turnover. As a group EML is cresting € 20 000 000.
2007
This year the planned new construction becomes reality.