Antari Lighting and Effects opens U.S. operations base

Antari Lighting and Effects, Taiwan, a manufacturer of fog machines and entertainment special effects, has established a U.S. operations base in Corona, Calif.

Antari’s U.S. operations will focus on strengthening the domestic entertainment growth, expanding its OEM partnerships and enforcing Antari’s domestic patents. Also, the company plans to expand beyond the entertainment industry, into such markets as fire and rescue, military training and security smoke.

Antari will continue an existing distribution relationship with Los Angeles, Calif.-based Elation Lighting, allowing Antari’s entertainment customers to have greater access to its product line. Elation will continue to deal directly with the Antari factory in Taiwan and will continue to supply and support their existing dealer network. Antari USA will offer other entertainment products that are slated to be exclusive to the United States, such as a new line of DarkFX UV Fluorescent Paints and specialty fluids being produced in the Corona facility.

Heading the U.S. office, Ray Villasenor joins the company as general manager of operations. Villasenor brings Antari USA more than 30 years of knowledge and experience as an industry veteran.

“Antari builds great products, and their commitment to service and support is recognized globally throughout our industry,” Villasenor said in a press release. “I’m thrilled to be a part of Antari and look forward to continuing to help expand beyond the traditional markets and help with overall company growth.”