December 7, 2024
5 Things to Know: December 7
Judge signals frustration in Mlazgar-Current case. Plus, Acuity Brands locks in $600 million financing.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. Judge Rebuffs Mlazgar's Allegations vs. Current
As a follow-up to our recent article on the ongoing Mlazgar Associates and Current Lighting legal battle, the presiding judge issued a critical text order on Wednesday, December 4 addressing discovery disputes and procedural noncompliance:
- The court expressed frustration with all parties for failing to meet and confer as directed, highlighting their inability to file a joint status report.
- Despite Mlazgar’s assertions of incomplete discovery responses from Current and Progress Lighting, the judge sided with the defendants, noting their assurances of compliance and Progress Lighting’s pending supplemental responses due by December 13.
- The court also dismissed Mlazgar’s spoliation claims, stating there was no evidence that the defendants should have anticipated litigation before the lawsuit was filed in December 2022. Citing legal precedent, the judge ruled the allegations lacked merit but allowed Mlazgar to revisit the issue should additional evidence surface.
- Furthermore, the judge rebuked Mlazgar for failing to provide account details necessary for receiving previously awarded attorney’s fees, ordering them to address the matter promptly.
Reaffirming the case schedule, the judge denied requests to extend expert disclosure deadlines or to allow more than ten depositions. “This case has been pending since December 30, 2022, and must be tried or resolved by March 30, 2026,” the judge stated.
2 . Lighting Industry Remote Work Rises from 1% to 40%
In an article published by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Brooke Ziolo, president of Egret Consulting, examines the evolving employment landscape in the lighting industry. Since 2020, remote work has risen dramatically, with remote placements increasing from 1% in the 2008–2019 period to 40% for non-sales roles between 2020 and 2024.
This trend reflects growing candidate demand for remote opportunities alongside challenges in relocation caused by high housing costs, limited inventory, and rising mortgage rates, highlighting employer flexibility in adapting to these shifts. To attract candidates for relocation-required roles, Ziolo states that companies should offer incentives like mortgage rate buy-downs, housing allowances, and enhanced relocation packages.
Ziolo also states that the shift toward remote work has also broadened the hiring scope for roles traditionally requiring in-office presence, such as Inside Sales, Quoting, and Project Management. By adopting hybrid models and leveraging remote flexibility, companies can access a wider talent pool while appealing to professionals seeking to avoid long commutes and other in-office constraints. Highlighting workplace culture, community engagement, and tailored benefits is now more crucial than ever for organizations aiming to attract top lighting professionals in this competitive job market.
3. Health-Focused Lighting Firm Files for Bankruptcy
Chromaviso, a Denmark-based company specializing in circadian and health-oriented lighting solutions, has filed for bankruptcy, according to legal records. The company, known for its lighting systems used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, was placed under bankruptcy proceedings on Nov. 19, 2024. Stakeholders and creditors have been given four weeks to submit claims, with attorney Jens Weinkouff Højmark appointed as trustee to oversee the case.
Chromaviso’s offerings included solutions tailored to healthcare environments, such as operating rooms and 24-hour facilities, and were implemented in more than 3,000 installations across Scandinavia.
The bankruptcy follows similar challenges faced by other health-focused lighting firms, including U.S.-based Healthe Inc., which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2021. Healthe’s closure highlighted the challenges faced by niche lighting companies despite increasing interest in human-centric technologies.
4. Deck the Cars: Vehicle Holiday Lights in Florida
The WFLA News I-Team reports that Florida drivers are allowed to decorate their vehicles with Christmas lights during the holiday season, but certain restrictions apply.
The I-Team also reports that Florida statutes prohibit lights that mimic emergency or authorized vehicles, such as red, blue, or flashing lights, which could disrupt traffic or be mistaken for signals. Additional lighting, like under-vehicle lamps, is permitted if it does not create glare or interfere with standard vehicle lights. Drivers must also ensure that headlights remain unobstructed and visible from required distances — 450 feet for high beams and 150 feet for low beams.
Is it legal to put Christmas lights on your car?????????
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) November 26, 2024
Let's break it down: https://t.co/fPGXyEt4zO pic.twitter.com/luN33aKdKk
According to WFLA, other allowable decorations include a maximum of two amber or white side cowl lamps, one courtesy lamp per side, and up to three rear identification lamps for wider vehicles. While festive lighting is encouraged, it must not impair visibility or safety on the road. Adhering to these rules allows Florida drivers to get into the holiday spirit while staying compliant with traffic laws.
5. Acuity Brands Secures $600M Loan Facility
Acuity Brands announced a new amendment to its credit agreement originally established in June 2022. This amendment introduces a $600 million loan facility designed to fund general corporate needs, including the recent $1.215 billion acquisition of QSC, LLC.
The original agreement, facilitated by a consortium of banks led by JPMorgan Chase, provided a financial structure for long-term operational flexibility. The updated terms now include a delayed draw term loan that must be accessed by May 2025, offering targeted financial resources for Acuity’s strategic initiatives.
Key updates in the amended agreement include provisions for interest rates tied to market benchmarks and a flexible repayment schedule maturing in June 2027. This revised framework highlights the importance of the acquisition of QSC, LLC, a move expected to bolster Acuity’s technological capabilities in its Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG) business unit.
