PRG has announced the expansion of their Longbridge service and technical centre, with the addition of two new field service engineers, Mark Atkinson and Gareth Hards.
Run by PRG’s head of technical services, Kevin Blair, PRG is Vari-Lite’s original UK ‘Authorised Service Centre’ as well as being accredited by GLP and extremely experienced in the service and repair of fixtures from Martin Professional, Clay Paky, Robe, Coemar and others.

New field engineer, Mark Atkinson is a Vari-Lite approved service engineer and brings extensive knowledge of their complete range of fixtures, as well as detailed knowledge of Martin, Clay Paky, Source 4, Coemar and Robe. Mark is also a specialist on the PRG proprietary product range including, the PRG Bad Boy, Series 400 data and power distribution system, the V676 and V476 control consoles, as well as the newest family member, the Best Boy 4000 Spot Luminaire.

"Prior to joining PRG I studied Electronic Engineering at Cardiff University, specialising in communication, networking, automation and control systems, for which I received a First Class Degree with Honours. I have also spent several years working as the in-house lighting designer and engineer at one of Cardiff’s main gig venues, during which time I designed and operated the lighting for artists such as Pete Doherty, Plan B, Wretch 32 and Beardyman to name but a few," commented Mark.

Before joining the field service team, Mark worked as an electronics bench engineer for PRG carrying out PCB repair and fault finding to component level.

Gareth Hards also joins with a wealth of experience with most manufacturers’ products including the PRG proprietary line and is working closely with the followspot and control departments to increase PRG’s field servicing footprint over the coming years. Enhancing servicing capability as a certified Vari-Lite Engineer, Gareth will also soon be certified in both Robe and Martin’s range of luminaires

Both are available to visit your site, tour location or venue to make repairs in-situ, saving the time and cost of having the fixture out of action.

Holding many thousands of spare parts at their Longbridge base allows PRG to offer one of the most efficient service options available both in the UK and Europe. "Working down to component level, we typically turn fixtures around in less than two weeks", commented Blair. "We’re absolutely customer driven and know that whilst a fixture is with us it’s out of your venue or rental stock, so we are focused on getting it up to its operational best and back with you in the shortest time possible."

PRG are also leading the industry and supporting local education in the area, with two electronic engineering apprentices, Thomas Brazil and Connor Wright, joining PRG’s service bench from local colleges.

The company has also recently become a member of the National Skills Academy as part of its ongoing commitment to help staff in the warehouse, productions technicians on site and even interested freelancers, continue to develop their skills and qualifications.