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Message From The Editor
Tapping Into Technology
For many years, the lighting industry didn’t have a lot of noteworthy involvement in the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) except for the gradual improvement of solid-state lighting in toys, household gadgets, appliances, flashlights, and novelty products.
That all changed with the energy-efficiency mandates that phased out incandescent lamping in favor of compact fluorescent alternatives and eventually LED. Fast-forward to today and advancements in home automation, the continuing popularity of smart home products, and the need for greater interoperability has led to increased awareness and demand for “smart” lighting products that can easily become part of a whole-house system and lifestyle.
On the flip side, the popularity of smart-enabled lighting, appliances, and home controls has led to a crowded field with players new to the lighting industry competing alongside far more established companies and brands. This brings a new dilemma. With younger consumers more comfortable with technology and not as brand loyal as previous generations, does a brand name matter more than “cool” tech features from lesser-known companies? Apple has its devout loyalists, but it’s more of an exception than the rule. We could say that brand loyalty is earned from a quality and customer service standpoint – and this is especially true for commercial and non-residential projects where longevity is a necessity from a maintenance perspective – but end-consumers view things differently and more disposably.
The nature of technology is to keep on evolving, and this is both exciting and challenging for lighting professionals. Take a look at the 10 products I cherry-picked from this month’s CES introductions to see how some companies are using aspects of lighting to do things (dry & improve hair, help people with dyslexia read easier, and continually disinfect our workspaces) that were unheard of just a few years ago. I’d love to hear your predictions on where you imagine lighting technology could go in the near future. |
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This Just In
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10 Products From CES That Intrigue Lighting Pros
Renowned as a showcase for emerging technology across an enormous spectrum of categories, CES offered a variety of products that involved lighting or home automation in some way. |
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Ferguson Bolsters Product Mix by Acquiring RP Lighting + Fans
In a move to better serve multi-family specialty electrical distributors and expand its lighting and fan offering more exclusively, Ferguson Enterprises has acquired lighting and ceiling fan manufacturer Royal Pacific Ltd. |
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Hunter Fan Co. Debuts Lighting Division
Fresh off its acquisition by Griffon Corp. last month, Hunter Fan Co. launches Hunter Lighting™, an initial collection of 300+ SKUs of chandeliers, pendants, flush-mounts, sconces, and vanity lights with more styles expected to debut throughout 2022. |
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This Just In
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Universal Douglas Combines Both Companies
Nearly one year after being acquired together by private investment firm Atar Capital, both Universal Lighting Technologies and Douglas Lighting Controls will be rebranded as Universal Douglas. |
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GE Current Opens Renovated NC Institute
Located on the same campus as GE Current’s lighting fixture manufacturing plant in Henderson, N.C., its 8,500-sq.-ft.Institute has been fully renovated to include a central teaching auditorium, expanded classrooms, and a collaboration area for networking. |
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People on the Move
Justin Kennedy Returns to Access Lighting as VP/Sales
 After four years as Director/Sales at Capital Lighting Fixture Co., Justin Kennedy is returning to Access Lighting, where he had served as National Sales Manager/Eastern Region for four years prior to joining Capital. Read More |
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Dialight Makes CFO Choice Official
 Dialight plc has appointed Clive Jennings as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director as of January 18; he had been serving as interim CFO since May 4, 2021. Read More |
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People on the Move
National Lighting Bureau Names 2022 Board Members
 The National Lighting Bureau (NLB), the independent, not-for-profit, lighting-education foundation sponsored by professional societies, trade associations, manufacturers, utilities, and agencies of the U.S. government, has appointed new Board members for 2022. Read More |
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Case Study Spotlight
Lighting May Cure Nearsightedness
 The SERI Singapore Eye Research Institute and Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. have collaborated on a research project involving light and its effect on improving myopia (i.e. nearsightedness). Read More |
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Case Study Spotlight
Space Needle Enters Modern Age
 The Seattle Space Needle’s multi-year renovation that modernized the visitor experience – such as adding a floor-to-ceiling glass interior – provided some unique lighting challenges to the design team. Read More |
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In Case You Missed It
Lightfair Connect Sessions Are Still Available Online
 Hurry! There’s still time to earn your CEUs. LightFair Connect is a virtual, on-demand library of the conference sessions from LightFair 2021. Read More |
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