01
The founder
An engineer’s approach from the very beginning.
IntelliStage’s story began in 1981, when engineer Mike Gerutto immigrated to the United States from Poland and founded Cipex International.
Drawing on an engineering background that included work for renowned loudspeaker manufacturer Cerwin-Vega, Mike built a company focused on professional equipment for the audio and live-event industries.
Cipex introduced Road Ready® protective cases in 1998. Two years later, the original IntelliStage® modular staging system was introduced—and that first portable stage became the foundation for everything that followed.
“Portable staging is not one department of our business. It is our specialty.”
A dedicated staging manufacturer
One specialty.
Many real-world solutions.
Lightweight handling, rapid deployment, heavy-duty production, uneven terrain, mobile operation, accessible entrances and long-term institutional use each call for different engineering—not a one-size-fits-all product.
Different environments demand different solutions. That reality drives how we design.
Rather than forcing a single stage to fit every application, IntelliStage develops distinct staging systems, each engineered with purpose—whether the priority is lightweight portability, rapid setup, terrain adaptability or long-term institutional use.
Every IntelliStage system is built around the same core principles:
- Structural integrity and predictable performance
- Modular design that scales and adapts
- Professional load ratings supported by engineering
- Compatibility across accessories, risers, ramps and configurations
This systems-based approach allows customers to select the right staging solution for their specific needs—without compromise.
45+ years of development9 product families70+ countries1 staging specialty
