CYPRESS, Calif. - (March 7, 2017) - FONA International replaced its aging video wall at the FONA Center with Christie® Velvet LED, keeping pace with its “high-tech, high-touch” philosophy. Located in Geneva, Illinois, just outside Chicago, FONA International (Flavors of North America) designs and produces flavors for many of the largest food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies in the world.

The FONA Center, which is approximately the size of a basketball court, is used as a company meeting and training center for groups ranging from 10 to 200 people. The “high-technology” nature of the video wall was a key driver for FONA, to uphold its reputation as an innovator with customers and members of the community. As a service to the community, the room is free to use by local groups, including fire and police departments, and teachers’ groups.

Working with AVI Systems, FONA initially considered both LCD and LED options for the planned 16-foot by 9-foot video wall, but, with long-term future proofing in mind, realized LED was the better choice. AVI Systems specified a Christie video wall, using Christie Velvet™ Merit Series 2.5mm LED tiles. The Christie LED video wall features 60 Merit Series tiles in a seamless, HD display with 100,000 hours of service life.

“FONA was looking for a real ‘WOW’ factor,” says Jeff Hodge of AVI Systems, the company responsible for the installation. “We wanted to provide the audience a fantastic visual experience and in doing so, we were able to provide increased functionality, an enhanced aesthetic appeal, and also contribute to the long-term viability of the space.”

Says Joseph Slawek, Founder, Chairman & CEO, FONA International, “The high brightness of our Christie video wall is critical. We show a lot of white slides with text, and not having the bezels—even the very thin bezels of LCDs—makes the wall appear as one continuous screen. It’s a lot easier on the eyes when viewing text, financial presentations or charts, making the information easier to quickly understand.”

Additionally, FONA uses the space to host Flavor University®, which helps food and beverage professionals gain a deeper understanding of the creation and use of flavor in product development, and supports FONA’s mission in maintaining its high-touch style of customer service.

“Christie Velvet Merit Series of LED tiles can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for large-scale displays including video walls,” says Nick Fazio, Senior Sales Manager LED, North America, Christie. “The FONA Center is a great example of how Christie’s LED solutions can transform a meeting space, both to add functionality and enhance design.”

FONA wanted a high-quality video wall in its training center, and knew that with Christie’s reputation, they would not be disappointed. Says Slawek, “We use our new Christie video wall all the time: for Flavor University, training sessions, lunch-and-learns, management and employee meetings. We also offer the space to the community free-of-charge because we believe in having a good community presence. So our local fire and police departments, not-for-profits and community groups use the space a few times a week. We like to be good neighbors!”