Calrec Audio Grows Despite Recession

Calrec Audio, a digital broadcast console manufacturer, has posted two successful quarters in which they grew by almost 50%, expanded into a second building, and hired new staff. According to Roger Henderson, Calrec managing director, sales of large-scale consoles did fall off briefly but soon rebounded to pre-recession levels. Throughout the downturn, Calrec Audio has remained profitable.

Calrec experienced the biggest growth is in the R&D department, which added 15 software engineers and two project managers. Calrec has organized its engineers into five teams: software, GUIs, audio systems, new product development, and product test. Calrec has also expanded the sales department, with Dave Letson returning to the company to handle the western United States, Anthony Harrison covering the Middle East and Africa, Theo Schulte looking after Germany, and Michael Reddick managing Northern Europe and Russia. The company also hired additional test personnel.

Besides the industry-wide interest in digital consoles, Calrec’s resilience results from its position in the outside broadcast market. For example, more than 65 percent of HD trucks in North America carry Calrec consoles.