The history of AED

Glenn Roggeman (CEO AED) launches AED Rent

To give people the chance to rent equipment in the AV Business.

1985

Glenn Roggeman (CEO AED) launches AED Rent

To give people the chance to rent equipment in the AV Business.

1985

The history of AED

The journey begins with the establishment of ‘Eglantier’, which later evolves into what we know today as AED Distribution.

1977

Founder & CEO Glenn Roggeman launches AED Rent, and starts with the rental of audio equipment.

1985

AED strengthens its presence with the introduction of 24 sets of the AED Touring Compact, still showcased today in the AED Studios foyer.

1986

AED Rent expands its offerings, making its first investment in 400 PAR 64 lighting fixtures and officially entering the lighting rental market.

1987

AED Rent moves to its first independent premises at Jan Bolstraat 79 (Mechelen), setting the stage for further growth.

1990

AED transitions from a BVBA (private limited liability company) to an NV (public limited liability company), marking a significant corporate milestone.

1992

AED begins operations in France, expanding its international footprint.

1993

AED Distribution takes a significant step forward by starting to import QSC products.

1994

The company continues its European expansion by establishing AED in the Netherlands.

1995

AED lays the groundwork for innovation by planning its first new, multifunctional building, a testament to its forward-thinking vision.

1997

AED Rent revolutionizes the industry by setting a new standard, transitioning from the conventional triangle truss to the more advanced square truss system.

1998

AED moves into a new, expansive 5,600 m² warehouse in Willebroek, enhancing its logistics and operational capabilities.

1999

AED Rent refines its business model, ceasing production and shifting focus exclusively to serving AV professionals.

2002

The "Equipment Banking" strategy is born, and a significant investment in L-Acoustics sets a new benchmark, becoming a true game-changer in the industry.

2003

AED Rent expands with a 5,000 m² facility dedicated to its operations in the Netherlands.

2004

AED takes its next international step by establishing a presence in Germany.

2006

The launch of AED Display marks the company's further diversification into AV solutions.

2007

The Private Equity group invests in AED Group, providing a strong foundation for future growth.

2008

AED opens its new 25,000 m² centralized headquarters in Willebroek, alongside the introduction of the innovative AED Store concept.

2009

AED continues its international expansion by entering the UK market.

2010

The company opens three additional AED Stores broadening its reach and services.

2011

AED introduces AED Lease and AED Second Hand, offering more flexibility and options to its clients. Despite a major fire at AED Cases on November 4th, operations are already restarted within just 7 days.

2012

On April 19th, AED Group acquires the Alfacam property (coincidentally, on the birthday of the CEO) and launches AED Studios, further solidifying its market presence.

2013

AED Distribution is appointed the master distributor for High End Systems, enhancing its portfolio of high-quality products.

2014

The company continues to grow its partnerships, becoming the master distributor for several audio, lighting and trussing brands.

2015

AED Studios undergoes a complete rebuild, culminating in the opening of the world's first AV museum at AED Studios, showcasing its legacy.

2016

AED proudly launches its own lighting brand, Luxibel, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and quality.

2017

AED introduces the 'Pay Per Use' model to its AV Business Tools, offering clients even greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

2018

AED launches AED Audio, presenting it as the most flexible and high-quality pro audio system in the world, setting a new standard in professional audio solutions.

2019

AED becomes the exclusive European distributor for NEXT Truss. Amidst the pandemic, AED quickly adapts by launching a range of Luxibel UVC-disinfection lighting products, showcasing its ability to innovate in challenging times.

2020

AED plays a crucial role in the community by opening two vaccination centers in Belgium at its Lint and Willebroek premises, contributing to the fight against COVID-19.

2021

AED expands its horizons further by entering a joint venture with NEXT Truss, launching the NEXT StageLIFT, and establishing a presence in Venray (Netherlands) and Dubai (UAE), marking significant steps in its global expansion.

2022

AED strengthens its position in the Middle East with the opening of new offices and a warehouse for AED Middle East in Dubai, enhancing its reach and service capabilities in the region.

2023

History

The history of AED

Glenn Roggeman (CEO AED) launches AED Rent

Glenn Roggeman (CEO AED) launches AED Rent

The history of AED

The journey begins with the establishment of ‘Eglantier’, which later evolves into what we know today as AED Distribution.

Founder & CEO Glenn Roggeman launches AED Rent, and starts with the rental of audio equipment.

AED strengthens its presence with the introduction of 24 sets of the AED Touring Compact, still showcased today in the AED Studios foyer.

AED Rent expands its offerings, making its first investment in 400 PAR 64 lighting fixtures and officially entering the lighting rental market.

AED Rent moves to its first independent premises at Jan Bolstraat 79 (Mechelen), setting the stage for further growth.

AED transitions from a BVBA (private limited liability company) to an NV (public limited liability company), marking a significant corporate milestone.

AED begins operations in France, expanding its international footprint.

AED Distribution takes a significant step forward by starting to import QSC products.

The company continues its European expansion by establishing AED in the Netherlands.

AED lays the groundwork for innovation by planning its first new, multifunctional building, a testament to its forward-thinking vision.

AED Rent revolutionizes the industry by setting a new standard, transitioning from the conventional triangle truss to the more advanced square truss system.

AED moves into a new, expansive 5,600 m² warehouse in Willebroek, enhancing its logistics and operational capabilities.

AED Rent refines its business model, ceasing production and shifting focus exclusively to serving AV professionals.

The "Equipment Banking" strategy is born, and a significant investment in L-Acoustics sets a new benchmark, becoming a true game-changer in the industry.

AED Rent expands with a 5,000 m² facility dedicated to its operations in the Netherlands.

AED takes its next international step by establishing a presence in Germany.

The launch of AED Display marks the company's further diversification into AV solutions.

The Private Equity group invests in AED Group, providing a strong foundation for future growth.

AED opens its new 25,000 m² centralized headquarters in Willebroek, alongside the introduction of the innovative AED Store concept.

AED continues its international expansion by entering the UK market.

The company opens three additional AED Stores broadening its reach and services.

AED introduces AED Lease and AED Second Hand, offering more flexibility and options to its clients. Despite a major fire at AED Cases on November 4th, operations are already restarted within just 7 days.

On April 19th, AED Group acquires the Alfacam property (coincidentally, on the birthday of the CEO) and launches AED Studios, further solidifying its market presence.

AED Distribution is appointed the master distributor for High End Systems, enhancing its portfolio of high-quality products.

The company continues to grow its partnerships, becoming the master distributor for several audio, lighting and trussing brands.

AED Studios undergoes a complete rebuild, culminating in the opening of the world's first AV museum at AED Studios, showcasing its legacy.

AED proudly launches its own lighting brand, Luxibel, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and quality.

AED introduces the 'Pay Per Use' model to its AV Business Tools, offering clients even greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

AED launches AED Audio, presenting it as the most flexible and high-quality pro audio system in the world, setting a new standard in professional audio solutions.

AED becomes the exclusive European distributor for NEXT Truss. Amidst the pandemic, AED quickly adapts by launching a range of Luxibel UVC-disinfection lighting products, showcasing its ability to innovate in challenging times.

AED plays a crucial role in the community by opening two vaccination centers in Belgium at its Lint and Willebroek premises, contributing to the fight against COVID-19.

AED expands its horizons further by entering a joint venture with NEXT Truss, launching the NEXT StageLIFT, and establishing a presence in Venray (Netherlands) and Dubai (UAE), marking significant steps in its global expansion.

AED strengthens its position in the Middle East with the opening of new offices and a warehouse for AED Middle East in Dubai, enhancing its reach and service capabilities in the region.

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