International Tanning Technologies

by Matt Morgan

“Just like the automobile industry, every year you tweak things to make them better, and every couple years you do a redesign of some sort to keep salon owners interested,” says Kathy Clarke, vice president of ITT.

American-made Sunsource equipment appeals to all salons and most tanners, Clarke says. The line offers affordable entry-level and midlevel tanning—with session times ranging from 9 to 20 minutes.

“Usually a salon can purchase six of our beds for the price they pay for one superbed,” she says. “When you compare apples to apples on equipment, you can’t beat the value of Sunsource.”

Adding to the value is durability. “One of the key features of Sunsource equipment is its all-steel construction,” Clarke says. “A busy salon can tan up to 200 people per bed per week, and that’s a lot of wear and tear on the bed. A plastic bed will never hold up like a steel bed. Therefore, the salon owner is spending less on upkeep and maintenance.”

Also, the beds are not mass-produced, meaning up to 64 different versions of Sunsource equipment are hand-made for salon owners. Private-labeling also is an option, and salons can have their logo put on any bed or booth.

The 5000XP has been the best-selling ITT unit every year since 1999. It features 32 100-watt dual-phosphor tanning lamps and 10 super-cooling fans and one deluxe body-cooling fan. The model comes with ergonomic acrylics and a colorful graphics package. The 5000XP also is available with one or two 400-watt facials.

In 2005, ITT also has seen tremendous growth in booth sales. “I think salon owners are starting to realize that you don’t need to spend $15,000 to $20,000 on a quality 56-lamp, 160-watt reflector booth,” Clarke says.

The unique eight-sided design of the STS delivers powerful tanning at the right angle, she says. It is available in 48-lamp or 56-lamp versions in 100 or 160 watts with an optional changing room.

ITT has consulted with European engineers to provide a “new look and engineering excellence” for the latest equipment design changes to be unveiled in November at the ITA World Expo in Nashville, Tenn., Clarke says. “Expect the same great quality with state-of-the-art components and a fabulous look.”

The redesigned units will include a new lift system, overall design change including graphics, wireless capabilities, larger models and new high-pressure systems.

“ITT’s focus is manufacturing the best maintenance-free equipment in the market,” she continues. “We back our products and the fine distributors that represent our equipment with a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee.”