Results from MD visit to CEDIA 2008
M.D. Manufacturing has been an active part of the Custom Electronic Design Installation Association for the past 12 years and was very pleased to participate in their 2008 Convention in Denver, Co Sept 4-7th, 2008.
As always, we find a tremendous amount of companies desiring to add central vacuums to their line card of products they install. Who would not enjoy an additional $1,000 profit for a few hours work? It was also an excellent opportunity to speak with many of you in regards to the latest products offered by MD and also to receive excellent feedback on our existing products and services. I must admit that is always a joy to hear so many compliments on our staff and the great job they do insuring that the dealers receive the right products for all their needs.
MD passed out T-shirts showing a TV screen that had a film of dust on it where someone had written with their finger, “It’s time for a Central Vacuum.” This subliminal message identified the fact that portable vacuums stir up a far greater amount of dust than a central vacuum and costly electronics would last longer if the home had a central vacuum.
Many other competitive brands of central vacuums appeared at this year’s show and here were some of the highlights: Nutone showed off the Flexible Technologies hose that has a 30 foot stretch-hose contained within a 15 foot vinyl hose. An electric switch on the end, combined with suction would pull it back t the 15 foot original length. Beam had a similar hose the previous year.
Dirt Devil (Vacuflo) showed off their new Vrroom hose that was a stretch hose contained within a retractable casing that was mounted in a cabinet. Upon lifting the wand, the hose activated and you could pull it about 25 feet out of the cabinet for easy cleaning. Installers would need to put a pipe-stub in the cupboard or under a work bench and the suggested retail cost of the Vrroom was $199 plus installation. They also were still showing the Hide-a-Hose system that sucks back into the wall.
Stopping by the Electrolux / Beam booth you could get a free shot of oxygen in your lungs and they also had a new air filter system that attached to the return air intake of your HVAC system. Honneywell (a Beam-made unit), Hayden, Vacu-Maid, and Linear Air Vac were all there but did not appear to have any new products.
As usual, the MD booth was full of energy and excitement. The MD staff were showing off our new S44 and M85 units as well as the new brochures and Training DVD’s. Our CentraMop and Manta continued to be big hits as well as our Quick-Click hose. It was great to have Steve Spriet a part of the team this year because of his 18 years of experience in the industry; of course Rebecca was a great help as well and Stan Mann has risen to the occasion to represent MD as the industry leader.
We greatly appreciate the hundreds who stopped by and especially our own dealers who spent time in our booth. We trust that your time was well spent!