At ETC’s London building, colleagues, collaborators, and long-time partners gathered not only to celebrate the company’s remarkable 50-year journey, but to look forward to what’s next. This wasn’t just any party; it was a landmark occasion honouring ETC’s 50 extraordinary years and the people who made them possible.
It was December 1975 when four innovators: Fred, Jimmy, Gary and Bill set about making the first ETC console – the Mega Cue – and with that the company was born. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a company that would go on to redefine stage and architectural lighting around the world.
Fast-forward to 2016, when ETC Sales Manager, Darren Beckley first walked into the company’s Middleton, Wisconsin headquarters. “The energy was palpable,” Beckley recalled. “The 2015 financial results were the best on record, products like Source Four Series 2 were hitting its stride, and a brand-new 350,000sq ft manufacturing facility had just opened.”
It was clear from the outset: this wasn’t just a lighting company, this was a launchpad for innovation. “I remember being struck by the scale, creativity, and imagination,” he added. “It was at this point that I knew I wanted to join ETC. It was clear that this company had an incredible platform for success, and I was curious to see how far it could go.”
The past decade hasn’t been without its trials. In 2019, the company lost its beloved founder Fred Foster, a visionary whose legacy still shapes ETC’s DNA. That loss was soon followed by the global pandemic, which brought the entire entertainment industry to a halt. Then came crippling supply chain shortages that made it impossible to build and ship products.
“And let’s not forget the political upheaval and ongoing conflicts across the globe,” he reflected. “These were incredibly tough trading conditions for everyone, and certainly for ETC. But what happened next was remarkable.”
Rather than retreat, ETC leaned into change, and came out stronger. In 2017, ETC acquired High End Systems, welcoming 75 new colleagues from Texas and adding moving lights to its portfolio. A year later, the company established ETC France through the acquisition of ATF, bringing 25 new team members into the fold. Major investments followed: a new 75,000sq ft R&D facility in Middleton, expanded premises in Los Angeles, Florida, Paris, Munich — and now London.
The company also acquired GDS’s architectural product line, ventured into agricultural grow lighting, and in 2024 made the landmark move to become a 100% employee-owned company. In just 10 years, ETC has added 400 new employees and nearly doubled its revenue. Yet even after such monumental growth, the question remains: How far can this company go?
“I still don’t have that answer,” Beckley admitted. “However, what I do know is this: ETC has never been in better shape than it is right now. Despite all the challenges, in those 10 years I have witnessed so much positive change and growth.”
As much as this celebration was about ETC’s past and future, it was just as much about the people and the wider ETC community that has powered its journey. “Back in 1975, when those four friends started building that console, they created more than a company. They created a community. A global network of employees, sales and rental partners, approved service engineers, and importantly an incredible collection of users, specifiers and designers,” he added.
It’s this community that has always been at the heart of ETC’s strength. “When you’re using ETC equipment, showcasing it, or supporting it, you’re helping to drive this company forward.”
Unlike many companies of its size, ETC doesn’t answer to shareholders or private equity. “Everything we make is reinvested back into the company and into this community,” said Beckley.
On the topic of community, ETC took a bold step during this year’s celebration – shining a spotlight on something they’ve traditionally kept quiet: their charitable giving. “For years, we’ve donated significant amounts to charity, but we’ve always done it quietly. Our charitable partners have sometimes wished we’d shout a little louder. Well, tonight we’re going to do just that,” commented Beckley. During the party, ETC unveiled a £35,000 donation to long-time charity partner Back Up – The Technical Entertainment Charity, an organisation that supports technical industry professionals and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry. This gesture reflects ETC’s commitment to giving back to the community that has supported the company over the past five decades and continues to do so. Representing the charity that night was Jess Allen, accepting the donation on behalf of Back Up.
As ETC marks this incredible 50-year milestone, it does so by looking forward with purpose. The challenges have been many, but the company’s resilience, innovation, and deep commitment to its people and partners continue to set it apart. “The past 50 years have been an incredible success story,” concluded Beckley. “But I get the sense that the next 50 might be even better than that.”
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Photos: ETC
