"We've been in business for 21 years," says James Smith, president of RC4, "and last year we were so busy with projects, designs, and the deadlines that go along with them, that I didn't realise it was our 20th year - a real milestone. Luckily, this month I did notice that we've moved."
Surrounded by unpacked boxes and disassembled furniture, Smith's veneer of humour does not entirely mask the scale of the shift his company has undertaken. The entire RC4 operation, including design, manufacturing, service, and administration, has moved nearly a thousand miles. While some employees have moved with the firm, other positions will be filled locally. A range of new subcontractors must fill their needs for everything from printed-circuit-board fabrication to brochure and check printing.
Why Raleigh? "My assistant, Aimee Wilson, and I spent months researching the best places in America to move to," explains Smith. "I focused on objective criteria - small-business tax policy, cost of living, availability of technical supplies and services, and quality of schools for the kids. Aimee took a more subjective approach, investigating things like weather patterns, friendliness of the people, and options for entertainment and leisure. In the end, we both had Raleigh, North Carolina, in our top three. So there you have it - done deal."
Currently in the design pipeline are even smaller wireless dimmers, smartphone control of product features, additions to the DCdim64 and DCshow64 lines of high-density multichannel DC dimmer rack units, and new wireless motion systems.
The toll-free telephone number for RC4 Wireless is 866-258-4577. Their new address is: RC4 Wireless, 13604 Heathwood Court, Raleigh, NC, 27615, USA.
(Jim Evans)
