Investment by MBSE across all areas of their business has seen the company achieve steady grow in both size and stature. Having recently taken steps to secure a building in which to properly house the company’s expansive equipment inventory MBSE is pleased to announce their occupation of their new, dedicated lighting facility.
Having considered a number of possible locations, the company selected Colnbrook, immediately to the West of London to serve both as the new home of Pinewood MBS Lighting and the European headquarters of MBS Equipment Company.
Perfectly placed to support both Pinewood and Shepperton studios the location is directly adjacent to the M25 motorway with excellent transport links for access throughout the UK and into Europe.
With it’s generous 90,000sqft footprint, the building offers the much needed capacity to allow the company to expand on what has become one of the world’s largest collections of modern lighting solutions.
The layout features textiles and lighting grip departments plus equipment test and preparation zones. Separate areas have also been created for technical workshops and the company’s research and development unit. 23 loading bays and considerable vehicle park to accommodate the extensive transport and generator fleet will add to the overall efficiency of daily operations.
A demonstration suite and test areas are included to allow cinematographers and crews hands on experience with one of the industry’s most diverse product ranges. There is also an allocation for training and tuition to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
A further 20,000sqft of office space will house the Film, Television and Commercials Accounts Teams along with Finance, Administration and the newly formed Emerging Filmmaker Team.
Speaking about the importance of having additional space, Pinewood MBS Lighting Managing Director says “This increased footprint allows us the opportunity to introduce a variety of exciting new aspects to our service. We are creating a facility where Cinematographers and crews can try out some of the most innovative production solutions available today. Perhaps more importantly, we are now able to provide a proper environment to welcome emerging and student filmmakers to experience our equipment”.
To facilitate their on the lot support, PMBS will continue to maintain their presence within Pinewood at the North Lamp Store, the historic home of lighting at the studios. However the majority of stock, including the huge amount of low energy and LED equipment which has become such an important part of the PMBS inventory, will be housed at Colnbrook.
The increase in space will allow the company to operate at full capacity in full compliance with guidelines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The recently released extensive Operational Protocols authored by MBS will be a key factor in the way the new premises operates with the safety and well-being of all staff, customers and crew being of paramount importance, at all times. In conjunction with the move, a revised environmental policy is also being introduced to help optimise responsible performance across all areas of the business.
Darren adds “We are of course all aware that this is a challenging time for everyone. Our investment in this new facility is testament to our commitment to supporting our industry both now and for the future. This is a hugely positive step for us and there is plenty more to come as we begin developing the building to create a world leading lighting facility”.
