June 2, 2023
5 Things to Know: Week Ending June 3
A U.S. lighting brand is about to shut down. Also, an important line makes a move in Los Angeles.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. A U.S. lighting manufacturer is about to shut down
We don’t publish hearsay and would never start an article with “We are hearing rumors…”
We’ve talked to a number of people close to a situation involving the shutdown of a U.S. lighting manufacturer in the Eastern time zone. We have verified the information, but before we print the company’s name in the newspaper we are seeking to learn more about how the company is handling open orders, commissions, employee departures, etc.
If you are involved – or know someone who is involved please reach out to us. We'd simply like to verify some info and we'll keep your name out of things. We try to publish stories like this one carefully and responsibly – and without grandiosity. Also, confidentiality is our business.
2. Lumenpulse makes a move in Los Angeles
When a big and important lighting brand makes a move in a Top 3 market, that’s important news. In Los Angeles, a market rich with dynamic architectural lighting opportunities, Lumenpulse has announced a change. MPA Lighting & Controls, who is best know locally for having numerous theatrical and specialty architectural lines including ETC, SGM and Clarté Lighting, now represents Lumenpulse effective June 1.
MPA Lighting & Controls has been the GVA Lighting representative in Los Angeles, and – without any inside knowledge – we expect that brand to move to another agency in the next 60 days. One potential landing spot may be Performance Lighting Systems who, up until recently, has been the Lumenpulse agent in Los Angeles.
3. New Current™ CEO Arrives. Brings his CFO along, too.
Steve Harris who was previously announced as the new CEO of Current™ spent his first day with the company yesterday at the company's Hendersonville, North Carolina location.
Also yesterday, Barry Webb joined Current™ as Chief Financial Officer. He most recently served as CFO of Shape Technologies Group – the same company that Harris led before joining Current™. Both Current™ and Shape Technologies are portfolio companies of private equity firm American Industrial Partners.
Jim Farrell was previously the CFO of Current™. Farrell had a long tenure at Hubbell before joinng Current in 2022. A spokesperson for Current™ informed us that Farrell resigned to pursue other opportunities and that the company wishes him well.
4. Apple store. Microsoft store. Signify store?
According to multiple news outlets, including BIS Infotech, Signify has launched its first Philips Solar Light Hub in Noida, India.
The 600 square foot retail store, which is smaller than a typical middle school classroom, features over one hundred solar lighting products aimed at various user segments, from home and garden lighting to industrial and street lighting applications. The products are touted as sustainable, easy to install, low maintenance, and cost-effective over the long term.
According to the report, the Head of Professional Sales at Signify India, Giresh.K. Chawla, has emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar in response to escalating global energy crises.
We were unable to find any mentions of this store on Signify’s official website.
5. Let’s save you some money and spend it together at the conference bar
Two important industry conferences have early bird savings registrations that are about to expire.
The IES Annual Conference will feature dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in the lighting industry, and more. This year the event takes place August 3 – 5 at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois.
Save $100 if you register on or before Monday, June 5.
Last year, IALD Enlighten Americas took place in Palm Springs, California where eggs can cook themselves. This year IALD Enlighten Americas 2023 moves to scenic and chilly Banff, Alberta, Canada. The event will be held November 2-4 at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Save $100 – 150 if you register on or before Friday, June 16
Related: Today $100 USD = $134 CAD
