Daktronics Delivers on Tight Timeline 

The Challenge

On March 29, 2011, a purchase order was received from SECOA. With a tight turnaround time, expectations ran high. For the Daktronics rigging team in Victor, NY, it meant that every detail had to be synchronized. The trucks were scheduled to leave the factory for Colorado on June 7.

The 75 hoist order was for the Denver Public Schools. After evaluating their schools' renovation needs, the old counterweight systems were marked for replacement with new safer stage rigging systems. Their consultant was the Shen Milson & Wilke, LLC, Denver office.

The five Denver high schools required a strict design model not only for user safety, but also for quality and reliability. Daktronics met the schools' guidelines, plus it was capable of delivering the hoists in a relatively short amount of time. 

The Daktronics Solution

The deadlines were tight and the entire rigging team made certain the internal and external coordination was in place. "We were happy to be given the opportunity," said Operations Manager Dave Rossi. "With less than eight weeks to design, manufacture and deliver 75 hoists for five unique turn-key automated rigging systems, the challenges were very real. The coordination with the district, SM&W, PCL Construction and SECOA, the dealer, was critical to our collective success."

When school started the new rigging systems were installed and the fall production program was underway. Michael Palmieri directed the play at Denver's Thomas Jefferson High School. "Our kids hit A Midsummer Night's Dream out of the park. The hoists and control system were wonderful. I brought several top tech students to the training and they were able to operate the system themselves." Palmieri added, "The movement was smooth and virtually silent. The system also makes it so much easier to bring down electrical battens to re-aim lights and replace gels and lamps. We may fly some of the set pieces for Little Shop of Horrors. I'm not sure I would have considered this with the old counterweight system."  

"With a renovation project, Vortek hoists' flexible mounting options are a perfect fit. Four schools required the upright hoist design, while the Denver South High School hoists are the typical underhung mounts," said Mike Hyde, Daktronics West Region sales representative. "We're thrilled to see high school students get an opportunity to experience our easy-to-use yet feature-rich Pro Series control system.

"This fall I visited the completed installations. After hearing everyone's satisfaction, I'd say Daktronics hit a grand slam," added Hyde.

Equipment Description

Vortek Classic hoists: 5 schools at 15 each
Mounting options: 4 schools upright, 1 school underhung
Control system: Pro Series controller in each school