Rock-Ola/AACO to Focus on Consumer and Specialty Markets
June 8, 2009 - Torrance, CA —Rock-Ola/AACO today announced the sale of its commercial jukebox division to the AMI Entertainment Network. Rock-Ola/Antique Apparatus Company (AACO) will focus on the development, production and distribution of consumer jukes featuring the Qsonix music management system—the Rock-Ola “Music Center” series—along with its other specialized jukebox products that will continue to bear the “Rock-Ola” brand name by mutual licensing agreement with AMI.
Since September 2008, the AMI Network has been Rock-Ola’s commercial content partner and the companies have shared distribution channels. A seamless transition of production and support is anticipated by both parties. As the production of the Slimline, Wall-Rock, and Rock-Star commercial jukeboxes move to AMI’s new facilities in Mexico, Rock-Ola/AACO will continue to produce the commercial “Classic Rock” bubbler jukeboxes for AMI at the Torrance, CA, factory.
“Stewardship of the iconic Rock-Ola Mfg. Corp. for the past 17 years has been an amazing journey during a remarkable time and a great honor”, commented CEO and AACO visionary, Glenn Streeter. “Considering the historic parallels between Rock-Ola and AMI Entertainment companies and the common commitment to quality and innovation, I am assured that the Rock-Ola line of commercial jukeboxes will continue to grow and thrive through its acquisition by AMI Entertainment.”
New & Traditional Products, Markets
Since establishment in 1977, AACO has been the premier manufacturer of Nostalgic-style jukeboxes. The Rock-Ola/AACO factory and its team of designers, engineers and craftspeople have gained world-wide recognition for finely crafted jukeboxes that incorporate state-of-the-art technology and exceptional performance.
The company will continue to manufacture its complete line of Digital Music Center and CD Nostalgic products for the home market including “wallettes” for individuals and 1950s retro-style restaurants. At its uniquely-appointed Torrance, CA factory, Rock-Ola/AACO will continue to design and build limited editions of specialized or “branded” equipment for a variety of commerce and consumer sectors. As the sole Jukebox Factory remaining in the U.S., Rock-Ola/AACO custom products provide extra value for other American industries.
In 2006, Rock-Ola/AACO introduced the Nostalgic Music Center, featuring a fully digital music library system with touch screen operation developed by the Qsonix Corporation. Well-respected in the high-end audio industry, Qsonix developed the Music Center application to accommodate today’s music lovers with private jukebox support for iPod play, home networking, and electronic music file collections. The combination proved a winner for Mr. Streeter, who is one of the largest shareholders in Qsonix. As the company now focuses on the consumer market and seeks to develop new markets, the three-year-old partnership with Qsonix and their team of developers, marketers and sales professionals is well-placed to benefit both the Rock-Ola/AACO and Qsonix brands.
Now in its third generation, the Rock-Ola Music Center series introduces a new Nostalgic model, featuring a thinner profile and a 19” touch screen. The Music Centers’ tremendous album capacity, media compatibility features and overall versatility make it a logical choice for today’s music collectors.
New “Classic Rock” Commercial Bubbler-style Jukebox
The Rock-Ola “Classic Rock” (DA8-PV3)—the commercial version of the popular “Bubbler” jukebox is now available with a larger, more user-friendly 19” touch screen. The unit has a slightly narrower depth measurement and design has been streamlined. The Classic Rock has a full-range, built-in Peavey 900 Watt amp, $1-$20 bill acceptor, credit card reader and connectors for additional speakers. The DA-8 is available exclusively from AMI/Rowe International.
Effective immediately, all commercial product orders may be directed to Matt Longcore at AMI Entertainment.
Highlights from the 2008 MOPAR MEET held at the Rock-Ola Factory in Torrance
November 15, 2008 - Torrance, CA
For the fourth consecutive year, the South Bay MOPARS Car Club met to raise money for charities and show off immaculate, cherried-out Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth muscle cars. This year, the meet took place at Rock-Ola factory parking lot where the first 100 show entrants were treated to a factory tour led by Rock-Ola's production manager and MOPAR-enthusiast, Ken Urban. Also open was "Vic's Garage" located at the neighboring Edelbrock factory, where those same early-bird show entrants could view Vic's personal auto collection.
Music for the event was provided by an AMI-powered Rock-Ola Slimline jukebox. Visitors and exhibiting participants feasted at the Space Shuttle Cafe and took their chances in raffles designed to benefit the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Women's Safe House.