At 104 years old, Lightolier’s future is still bright.

The manufacturer and innovator of lighting products came to Fall River in 1973 and continues to produce most of its lines from city headquarters in the Industrial Park. 

While many manufacturers are moving out of the city or employing more overseas help than local workers, Lightolier maintains a workforce of 700 people, making it the city’s largest manufacturer.

In the region, it employs a total of 1,500 workers, which includes its plants in Wellington and in Norwich, Conn.
Last year, the company introduced more than 5,000 new products.

For six years running, Lightolier has been awarded first place in the Architect’s Choice for Excellence.
It’s newest innovation lies in producing lighting concepts that are not only beautiful and high quality, but that are energy efficient.

Through decades of research, innovation and collaboration, Lightolier has expanded its cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities while still adhering to environmental standards. By reusing or eliminating waste, drastically reducing emissions and upholding companywide recycling and energy savings programs, Lightolier has streamlined the once environmentally detrimental lighting production process and received multiple recognitions by organizations that promote green manufacturing.

Over the last decade, Lightolier has continuously implemented new technologies and equipment to eliminate the use of hazardous materials in its manufacturing operations. Lightolier has eliminated the use of approximately 1.25 million pounds of trichloroethylene and other hazardous chemicals at its Fall River facility. Last year the company was recognized for its efforts for protecting the environment and received a resolution from the House of Representatives.

The company is also making an energy efficient project of itself by harnessing and recycling its own energy, which is part of its ongoing commitment to be a good citizen.
Lightolier is the perfect example of a mom-and-pop business that has sustained itself through time by embracing change in the industry and in the world.

The company was established in 1904 as New York Gas and Appliance in the Bowery Section of New York City. It changed its name in 1919 — combining “light” and “chandelier” to emerge as Lightolier.

Lightolier built a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing center in Fall River in 1973, and moved its corporate offices from New Jersey to Fall River in 1994.

Lightolier’s facility currently measures 330,000 square feet, with 100,000 square feet of office space and 230,000 of manufacturing space.

The company is headed by Lightolier president Bill Schoettler.

Lightolier continues its commitment to the community through educational activities with various internship programs involving B.M.C. Durfee High School, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School and Bristol Community College.

Lightolier is the flagship division of the Genlyte Group and is the largest lighting company in North America, dedicated exclusively to the design, manufacture and marketing of light fixtures and controls.

Today, Lightolier designs entire lighting systems that can be seen in places as diverse as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., or as local as Hancock Tower or the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, Gillette Stadium, the Providence Place Mall or the Fall River Fire Station.