Orbus founder dies at 64

WOODRIDGE - Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, North America's largest producer of visual communications solutions for trade shows and corporate interiors, announced the sudden death of Simon Perutz, the founder of Nimlok, Orbus and 13 other exhibit and display companies around the globe.

Perutz died suddenly while in England with his wife, Kim, on April 19 at the age of 64, the company said.

Simon's father, Gerald Perutz, and Neil Nimmo - inventor of the Nimlok lock & clip and the original modular display system - founded Nimlok Limited in the UK in 1970. The business grew rapidly and in 1977, Gerald relocated his family from the United Kingdom to the United States. In 1981, Neil, Gerald and Simon established Nimlok in the United States.

In 2001, Simon Perutz established the precursor to Orbus Exhibit & Display Group in the United States. He continued to lead the Nimlok business in the U.S. until 2010, when Nimlok merged with Orbus. Together, Simon, his brother Tim, and Gerald established 15 exhibit and display-focused companies and formed the P3 Group (commemorating the three Perutzs - Gerald, Simon and Tim.

"Words cannot express what a truly incredible person Simon was," said Gary Keefer, CEO of Orbus. "We are deeply saddened, yet extremely thankful to have had such a wonderful founder, mentor and caring leader. Simon will be profoundly missed and honored."

Perutz led Nimlok's product development, sales, and marketing efforts with much success. He formed relationships with business leaders across the nation and the globe, which led to the creation of a network of Nimlok dealerships in the U.S., the establishment of Nimlok Canada in 1985, as well as Nimlok Italy and Nimlok Australia, among others.

He is survived by his wife Kim, sons Andrew and Matthew, daughters Kate, Tessa, and Lucy, as well as granddaughter Daisy, and his siblings Tim and Sandie.