December 3, 2024
Toggled is Set to Join Siemens as Part of Acquisition
Multi-billion dollar acquisition of Altair Engineering includes niche LED and controls player
Siemens recently announced acquisition plan of Altair Engineering Inc. for $10.6 billion includes the small but specialized lighting and controls brand Toggled. Based in Troy, Michigan, Toggled focuses on LED lighting and lighting control systems, adding a niche offering to Siemens’ extensive portfolio. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
Toggled, originally known as Illumisys, was launched in 2007. The company rebranded in 2012, marking a shift toward large-scale production of LED lighting products, particularly direct-wire (Type B) LED replacement tubes for fluorescent fixtures. This specific product category remains a focus, serving as a practical solution for commercial and industrial retrofits, but in recent years Toggled has heavily emphasized its portfolio of networked lighting controls.
Toggled operates out of Troy, Michigan, where it develops its products domestically and distributes them primarily within the United States and Canada. Its distribution channels include partnerships with commercial and industrial lighting agents, as well as direct-to-consumer sales through online platforms. Notably, Toggled’s LED tube products are available in major retail outlets, including The Home Depot.
Toggled's parent, Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR), develops software and cloud solutions focused on simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and A.I., enabling organizations to optimize processes and make data-driven decisions. The company supports digital transformation across industries by helping customers improve efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Altair's total revenue for 2023 was $612.7 million, an increase of 7.1% from 2022.
Illumisys: Toggled’s Foundations
Before its rebranding, Toggled operated as Illumisys, Altair’s LED lighting division. Illumisys specialized in energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lighting products, targeting replacements for linear fluorescent lighting. The company also invested significantly in intellectual property, claiming a portfolio of over 150 patents related to LED technology.
Leadership during this period, including Brent York, a former TIR Systems and Philips executive, played a key role in shaping the company’s strategy. Under York’s guidance, Illumisys expanded its capabilities in automated manufacturing and product development, laying the groundwork for Toggled’s current operations.
Modest Market Presence
Toggled occupies a small but defined niche in the lighting market. Its focus on direct-wire LED tubes and niche lighting control systems caters to customers seeking energy-efficient, straightforward retrofitting options.
For Siemens, the acquisition of Toggled represents a practical addition to its broader industrial and smart building offerings. While Toggled’s market presence is unlikely to significantly impact Siemens’ overall portfolio, it provides a complementary fit within specific segments of the lighting and building automation industries.
As Siemens moves forward with its acquisition of Altair, the inclusion of Toggled reflects an incremental addition to its capabilities. Toggled’s LED lighting products and controls will integrate into Siemens’ existing offerings, with potential for moderate growth through expanded distribution and product alignment within Siemens’ global footprint.
With Toggled soon to be in the Siemens family, Lighting People might want to keep an eye on this under-the-radar brand — it could be ready to toggle to the next level.
