bout de papier, Vol. 3, No. 3 (1985) — Fall 1985 // Automne 1985, p. 29
What is a Sprung structure?
It is a large, clear span, self supporting structure that looks like a tent but meets the building codes in most countries around the world.
Like all good ideas, the Sprung structure has come about as a result of frustration —frustration with a climate that did not permit the use of an outdoor swimming pool for more than about six weeks of the year.
Knowing that a tent was not the answer, but having a few ideas, the pool owner approached a tent maker for suggestions. The tent maker had a few ideas of his own, and upon pooling these ideas, more were forthcoming. It i was not long before a company was formed to develop the structure concept and market the product.
As a result, the “membrane stress theory” evolved and the Sprung Instant Structure came into being. Initially, in the design stages, it was found that as fast as one unit was designed and built for test purposes, there was a customer found.
Although the original concept was for a pool cover, it soon became apparent that a larger structure was a natural for trade shows and exhibitions. As demand built up, the Sprung Structure was found to be suitable for an infinite number of applications where a light weight, economical, relocatable structure was required.
A trip to the Middle East for an oil show brought home to the company the prospects for overseas sales. Shortly thereafter, offices were opened in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to follow up on the potential market there. Because it looks like a tent the Sprung Structure easily won acceptability in the Middle East as for many years their culture and heritage was based on a nomadic existance. It was not long before sales materialized. Within two years, four of the six major trade exhibition sites in the Middle East were covered by Sprung Instant Structures.
It was a natural progression from the Middle East to other areas of the world. Sprung structures were so obvious, travellers passing through the area were soon contacting Sprung for information, and in short order the company opened in several Africa countries.
Realizing the potential internationally, the company provided the majority of the Canadian Embassies and Consulates abroad with literature on the Sprung Structure. At the same time an aggressive marketing campaign was carried out through participation in many of the government sponsored overseas trade shows.
Inquiries came in droves, both direct and through the Embassies and Consulates, with the result that Sprung now has structures in 32 countries around the world. Government trade officers went out of the way to promote interest in the product, and many of their inquiries were from local agents who wished to represent Sprung.
Dedication to fast and efficient delivery, quick erection and customer satisfaction resulted in repeat orders, as well as customer good will that generated additional sales.
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 3, No. 3 (1985) — Fall 1985 // Automne 1985, p. 29. Read the rest of this issue →
