Eric, whose experience is known to many, has officially "hung up his touring boots" to take on this role which follows over 21 years touring with some of the largest names in the business. Recent credits include Ronan Keating, Feet of Flames, Westlife and Hear'say. His knowledge of sound systems as both a FOH operator and chief engineer, coupled with his understanding of live productions, gives him the right credentials to oversee the warehouse operations.
The warehouse forms the core of Orbital's infrastructure and is situated in the adjoining buildings behind their Victorian townhouse where the sound and communications division is now based along with the hire, design and administration departments. Covering over 12,000sq.ft, the warehouse is designed to house Orbital's extensive inventory and 24/7 technical support team. Its fully networked, bar-coded stock control system designed by Andy Hilton, of Totally Brilliant Software, allows for maximum efficiency and smooth communications between divisions.
Eric Simpson told us: "It’s great to become a part of Orbital's forward-thinking organisation. The stock control system allows for every piece of kit to be monitored exactly, with a full service history of where it has been used, where it is at the moment and where it will be next week. By controlling the flow of stock with such precision and by servicing every piece of kit to the highest standards, the warehouse is in a position to operate very effectively and respond to any sudden demands - and that is what a rental company is all about." Simpson's arrival has enabled Orbital's Tom Byrne to side-step within the organisation to a role which will see him working closely with John Shemming in sales and installations.
(Lee Baldock)
