GDC Technology (“GDC Tech”), a world leading digital cinema solution provider, is pleased to announce today that it won a server supply agreement with Wehrenberg Theatres, the oldest and largest family-owned theatre chain in the US. The deployment which commenced in October 2011 will see a total of 144 GDC digital cinema servers installed.
Serving moviegoers for more than a century, Wehrenberg Theatres now operates 15 theatres in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. The St. Louis-based company celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006, and remains the oldest family-owned-and-operated theatre circuit in the US. Wehrenberg Theatres continues to be a leader in motion picture exhibition, always aiming for “entertainment excellence”. Under this contract NEC Financial Services provides financing while Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE Amex: BTN) provides the installation and maintenance services, as well as providing NEC digital cinema projections systems and GDC digital cinema servers.
“We required a team that could provide us with both guidance through each stage of the conversion process; and access to superior products.” said Ronald P. Krueger, chairman and CEO of Wehrenberg Theatres. “This is one of the key reasons why we chose GDC, in that the company is renowned for its quality products and reliable services. Needless to say, we’re very excited about this partnership, and look forward to becoming fully digitalized in order to provide our moviegoers with the best cinematic experience possible.” Ray Boegner, senior vice president of Ballantyne Strong added “This is yet another successful collaboration with GDC to provide customers with the most cutting edge digital cinema technology.”
“GDC is delighted to have been selected for the digital conversion of Wehrenberg Theatres,” said Dr. Man-Nang Chong, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “To serve such a prestigious theatre chain with a century old history is immensely rewarding for us. We’re confident that our innovative products will swiftly and smoothly modernize Wehrenberg Theatres bringing the magic of digital cinema to all its movie lovers. Once again we’re pleased to collaborate with our valued partners Ballantyne Strong and NEC. We welcome Wehrenberg into a venture which has proved successful time and time again.”
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About GDC Technology (www.gdc-tech.com)
As one of the world’s leading global solution providers for digital cinema, media delivery and display markets, GDC Technology (“GDC Tech”) has successfully delivered and installed digital cinema servers, projection and 3D systems worldwide. GDC Tech is currently the largest supplier of digital cinema servers throughout Asia and the second largest provider of digital cinema servers worldwide, serving its customers through offices in the US, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and China. GDC Tech is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.
About Wehrenberg Theatres (www.wehrenberg.com)
Wehrenberg Theatres is the oldest and largest family-owned movie theatre chain in America and a member of the National Association of Theatre Owners. Celebrating 105 successful years in the cinema industry, Wehrenberg Theatres now operate 15 theatres across the Midwest, including the Greater St. Louis Area, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri. With a long history in innovation and an ongoing desire to deliver superior service to all guests, Wehrenberg Theatres continues to be a leader in motion picture exhibition whilst providing “entertainment excellence.”
About Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.strong-world.com)
Ballantyne Strong, Inc., is a provider of digital cinema projection equipment and services as well as cinema screens, motion picture projectors and specialty lighting equipment and services. The Company supplies major and independent theatre chains, top arenas, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.
About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc. (www.necdisplay.com)
Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://necdisplay.com/digital-media-library
About NEC Financial Services LLC (www.neclease.com)
NEC Financial Services, LLC, delivers tailored leasing structures of extraordinary flexibility to customers nationwide and has expanded to include a complete range of technologies and services. NEC Financial Services offers financing services to Solution Providers, System Integrators, Resellers and Dealers, and their customers by supporting the sale of products and solutions to businesses in the United States.
