GENERAL OVERVIEW: Universal Lighting Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of lighting ballasts and control systems. The company offers a full line of electronic and magnetic ballasts for compact fluorescent, linear fluorescent, and HID lighting, along with a comprehensive line of digital and analog dimming systems. In 2009, the company assumed control of Vossloh-Schwabe’s North American operations, including its full range of HID products, transformers, ignitors, capacitors, lampholders, and other luminary components.
Universal Lighting Technologies is a member of the Panasonic Group. Panasonic Corporation operates 600 companies around the world, with 348.028 employees and annual revenues in excess of $105 billion (USD).
HISTORY: The six-decade history of Universal Lighting Technologies includes two leading forces in the lighting industry—Universal Manufacturing Company and Triad-Utrad Energy Savings Incorporated. Universal Manufacturing Company, a company built around a reputation for unmatched service, was among the first companies to manufacture lighting ballasts. Triad-Utrad, an organization steered by engineering excellence, was the first company to introduce an electronic lighting ballast.
UNIVERSAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Founded in 1947, Universal Manufacturing Company was best known for product quality and customer service. Strong personal relationships and customer loyalty were the hallmarks of this company’s success. Universal Manufacturing set the standard in many areas of customer service, including a number of special programs that reinforced its commitment to products and services.
Universal Manufacturing was the first ballast manufacturer to implement an exclusive Technical Engineering Service (TEM™) department available for ballast selection, installation and on-the-job troubleshooting assistance. The TES organization remains an icon today and is renowned throughout the industry for exemplifying the highest standards for customer service.
Another milestone for Universal Manufacturing came through the electrical distribution channel with the introduction of innovative HID replacement kits. Universal Manufacturing was the first to develop HID ballast retrofit kits for distributors that included a core of coil multi-tap ballast incorporating color-coded leads. These HID ballast kits make installation retrofits and replacements fast and easy.
TRIAD-UTRAD
Founded in 1943, Triad-Utrad developed a reputation as a technological leader committed to engineering excellence. Triad-Utrad was the first in the industry to introduce the electronic ballast with the installation of electronic DC ballasts for the mass transit industry. Triad continued as the leader in electronic ballast technology with the introductions of electronic ballasts for T12 and T8 linear lamps as well as compact fluorescent lamps Universal Lighting Technologies has continued the tradition of technological innovations with the introduction of low profile and universal input voltage (108–305 volts) ballasts.
In 2002, Universal Lighting Technologies acquired several assets, including all intellectual property from the former Energy Savings, Inc. (ESI).
With the addition of lighting dimming and controls, Universal has enhanced their product offering and is poised to offer customers complete energy-efficient lighting system solutions.
TODAY: Based in Nashville, Tenn., with operations and distribution worldwide, the products of Universal Lighting Technologies are marketed under the Universal®, Triad®, Panasonic, Vossloh-Schwabe, DCL®, DEMANDflex™, EVERLINE™, and Signa® brand names. Over 110 patents in lighting technology have been awarded for Universal Lighting Technologies’ innovative engineering designs. Research and product development will continue to be key strategies of Universal Lighting Technologies.
Universal Lighting Technologies will continue to offer the industry’s most advanced engineering energy-saving designs, backed by unsurpassed customer service. When you say quality, commitment and innovation, you’re speaking the Universal language.