Sportarredo: One Part Science, One Part Art

Italians are known for their fashion sense and love of vibrant colors—so it only seems natural that the Italian manufacturer Sportarredo would translate that style into its equipment. From sleek lines to splashy designs, the company’s unique equipment concepts continue to captivate salon owners and tanners alike; and the newest addition to the Sportarredo line, the LP1, is no different. Debuted at the 2007 ITA Tanning World Expo, the LP1 is a 15-minute, low-pressure unit designed to lend a sophisticated and modern look to the standard entry-level bed, while also offering great performance at a low operation cost.

“The unique design comes from the Italian tradition,” says Emmanuele Codega, vice president and director of operations for Arlington, Texas-based Sportarredo USA. “We are a population of scientists and artists.”

Founded in 1979 in a small industrial town outside of Venice, Italy, Sportarredo made a name for itself as a leading manufacturer of high-pressure equipment. However, the company realized the importance of offering a wide array of equipment and began manufacturing low-pressure systems as well.

“In a salon, you find different types of tanners with different needs, and the salon owner has to make each of these tanners happy by providing a variety of units,” Codega says. “At Sportarredo, we offer a complete line of equipment so a salon has access to the equipment configuration that best suits its need.”

Today, Sportarredo carries eight low-pressure units in laydown and stand-up styles. In creating these units, the company found its niche in low-pressure by focusing on developing the fastest systems possible.

“The traditional low-pressure exposure times are reduced in our equipment, without any change to the gentle and gradual tanning characteristics of low-pressure systems,” Codega says. “Our technology is based on lamps with a higher percentage of UVB, which produces a process of ‘indirect pigmentation.’ This means the tan reaches its correct intensity 48 to 72 hours after the session, making these systems perfect for those who prefer longer-lasting results.”

The LP1, which features 32 powerful reflector lamps, is a compact bed designed to fit in any standard-size room and is available with or without facial lamps. The bed actually is the second in the LP line; the 12-minute LP3 was the first. Codega says the company also plans to create a middle version—the LP2—in time for the end of the 2008 season. Overall, the LP1 is another example of Sportarredo’s commitment to bringing high-quality, innovative equipment options to its customers.

“We are passionate and have an appreciation for what we call ‘il bello,’ which translates to ‘the beautiful one,’” Codega says. “‘Il bello’ can be anything that is evidently unique and stylish. That is why we always are looking for new concepts that bring cutting-edge technology and design into everyday life with our equipment.”