Electrosonic, Scharff Weisberg Join Forces

Electrosonic and Scharff Weisberg Systems Integration Inc. have signed a joint venture agreement creating Electrosonic New York, an audio/video systems integration organization that will operate out of Long Island City, New York.

By combining Scharff Weisberg’s existing systems installation business with the Northeast division of Electrosonic, the new company will be able to provide New York-area architects, designers, consultants and builders with unsurpassed AV design and installation support from a local source.

“We’ve been friendly competitors for years and have occasionally worked together on projects," Josh Weisberg, president, Sharff Weisberg. "So, when Electrosonic decided they would benefit from a higher profile in the New York area, we realized that our clients could benefit as well from Electrosonic’s global reach and well-developed infrastructure.”

Electrosonic, with offices in Minneapolis, Burbank, Orlando, Princeton, London, Helsinki, and the Far East, has a 40-year history in the audio/video market with design, installation, manufacturing, and staffing capabilities. The company has designed and installed complex systems at hundreds of well-known sites around the world, including recently the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Bremen Space Park in Germany, and the William Jefferson Clinton Library in Little Rock.

Scharff Weisberg has a 25-year history as a New York-based provider of audio, video, and lighting technology. In addition to offering staging and rental services, Scharff Weisberg’s Systems Integration unit has been designing and installing permanent systems for the past ten years. Recent projects include a new multi-projector HD display system for ESPN Sportscenter in Connecticut, the new Prada Epicenter store in Beverly Hills, as well as an extensive audio/video system for the brand-new Pirate Soul Museum in Key West, Fla.

Since both partners have long-standing relationships with their respective clients, the new operation has been organized to foster continuity and ensure that clients have transparent access to the people and resources they are familiar with.

"Scharff Weisberg’s approach to boutique-style collaboration with the cream of the architecture and design world will be kept intact within Electrosonic New York," says Jim Bowie, general manager, Electrosonic's North American systems operation. "However, it will be greatly enhanced by Electrosonic’s multiple locations and extensive staff. Together we’ll be able to deliver innovative design supported by cost-efficient installation to an even greater degree than before. Clients will continue to work with Josh Weisberg, Peter Scharff, and crew on concept design while having Electrosonic provide support, design development, and installation.”

Electrosonic New York is located at 36-36 33rd Street, Long Island City, Queens, within a newly renovated space adjacent to Scharff Weisberg’s offices.