Globe masters

As organisers you will appreciate that a live event comes in many shapes and sizes, as does the type and amount of equipment needed to produce a memorable occasion. But moving your equipment across the globe should not be feared, as it’s a service that event specialists Production Freight can tailor to suit your specific requirements, specific budgets and specific timeframes.

Since 1993, Production Freight has ensured that organisers’ priceless essentials are delivered to the right place at the right time, and the last 18 months has been no exception with gruelling schedules and a wide spectrum of events.

“It’s been a busy time,” recalls Production Freight’s sales manager, John Burrows. “2010 kicked off nicely for us with the Vancouver Winter Olympics for which we moved all of the components for the opening and closing ceremonies. This was around 20 containers, supplemented by the usual last minute airfreights, which comprised around 20 tonnes spread over multiple shipments all of which had the words ‘panic’ burnt into them.”

Moving forward

After Vancouver, Production Freight found itself staring into the face of the World Cup in South Africa: It delivered the large outdoor screens for the Fan Fest areas as well as the equipment required for the permanent screen installations at many of the nation’s stadiums. Broadcasting equipment for an international broadcaster also required Production Freight’s expertise, as did the set and stage components for Nike’s fan and hospitality areas throughout South Africa.

Yet football and great sporting occasions are not the only events familiar to the Egham-based company. In 2010, Production Freight was involved in perhaps one of the largest corporate events to be staged in the world – the State of Qatar wished to celebrate a milestone, the production of 77 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas in one year. A Government inspired event, it was attended by the Emir, members of the Government and many dignitaries.

In freight terms it entailed the movement of over 100 containers, 100 tonnes of airfreight and around 35 different trucking movements to the Ras Laffan Gas terminal.

Explains Derek Hale, Production Freight’s managing director: “This was an intense contract, as we weren’t given the go ahead until quite late and the final brief from the client was still in a state of flux. However, we ensured that anything to do with freighting was channelled directly through us and we liaised with over 20 different suppliers from seven countries in order to make this all work. With a lot of effort by all our staff and not forgetting the crucial help from our partners in Qatar we managed to deliver over 70 consignments not only on time but invariably early.”