Schréder, the world’s leading independent smart outdoor lighting provider, is proud to announce the appointment of Philippe Felten as its new CEO.
Philippe Felten, a Belgian electromechanical engineer with post-graduate qualifications in management, strategic marketing, and human resources, brings a wealth of experience to Schréder. He began his career at Schneider Electric, progressing through various roles before joining BEA, where he led the company to become the world leader in door automation. Following BEA’s acquisition by Halma plc, Philippe served as Sector Chief and Member of the Executive Board, managing 18 companies and initiating M&A activities.
In 2017, Philippe joined Schréder as a Member of the Board of Directors and took on several executive roles, including product marketing, M&A, and Chief Commercial Officer. His extensive knowledge and experience have been invaluable to Schréder’s growth and strategic initiatives.
“Philippe has been a valuable advisor to Schréder, contributing significantly to our growth and expansion through his expertise in M&A transactions. We are proud to continue working with Philippe, as we are continue to pursue Schréder’s growth in strategic markets, drive higher efficiency, expand Schréder’s business prospects and increase its market share and new revenue streams. We are confident that Philippe will focus the Group’s strategy on customer centricity, by providing best-in-class solutions in the lighting, and smart and connected lighting markets,” says Renaud Gryspeerdt, Member of the Schréder Board of Directors.
“The appointment of Philippe Felten as the new CEO follows the highly successful tenure of Werner De Wolf, the previous CEO, who contributed to the company's success with record sales and ambitious M&A transactions. Ensuring a seamless CEO transition is critical to maintaining business continuity, as it allows the organisation to maintain its strategic vision and operational stability during leadership changes", Gryspeerdt adds.
“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Schréder. My vision is to drive the company forward by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Together with our talented team, I am confident that we can expand our global presence and continue to lead in the development of smart and sustainable outdoor lighting solutions”, says Philippe Felten.
Schréder, the world leader in smart outdoor lighting solutions, today announced it has acquired Ligman Lighting USA, a leader in urban lighting solutions in North America.
Established in 2010 under the leadership of Neil Gillies and headquartered in Oregon, Ligman Lighting USA rapidly expanded its operations thanks to its high-quality urban lighting solutions with industry-leading lead times, exceptional customer service and customization capabilities through a large network of sales agents across the US and Canada. They supply a comprehensive range of urban lighting solutions including luminaires, poles, floodlights and bollards. Schréder's decision to invest in Ligman Lighting USA coincided with Neil Gillies' decision to retire, and we partnered with Ligman Lighting to acquire the company with full exclusive distribution rights.
Present in the North American market since 1992, Schréder has built a strong reputation for lighting essential infrastructure such as tunnels, airports and sports facilities.
Both companies share a vision for innovation and a heritage of high quality lighting solutions that deliver design, efficiency, added value and attention to detail for their customers. This transaction will combine Ligman Lighting USA's strong position in decorative urban lighting solutions with Schréder's portfolio of infrastructure lighting solutions, creating added value for our customers and partners.
"The acquisition of Ligman Lighting USA reinforces the strong commitment of the Schréder family and the Board of Directors to the North American market. It will accelerate our growth in North America and will help us further develop our fast-growing infrastructure lighting business," said Philippe Felten, Schréder's Chief Commercial Officer.
"Ligman Lighting USA and Schréder are highly complementary businesses. Together, we will significantly enhance our strategic and operational capabilities as a major player in attractive growth categories and benefit our sales channel as we continue to transform and optimize our portfolio. I am excited for all our employees as we embark on this next phase as a company," commented Neil Gillies, President of Ligman Lighting USA.
Led by similar values and cultures, both companies focus on attracting and developing the best people, making a positive contribution to our communities and driving sustainable initiatives.
"We would like to congratulate Neil Gillies on his upcoming retirement and the phenomenal success of Ligman Lighting USA under his leadership. Together, Ligman USA and Ligman headquarters have a commitment to the customer that is unparalleled and has undoubtedly been one of the key factors in the company's rapid growth. Furthermore, Schréder is thrilled that the core values and culture of Ligman Lighting USA align so well with our own," said Steve Mills, Schréder's President/Regional Director for North America.
Merrimack Group provided transaction support for Schreder. Stoel Rives LLP, a Portland based firm, provided legal support while KPMG assisted with tax guidance for Schreder.
We would like to announce the Next Generation of our LEDLUME range: We have expanded and renamed the range, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution to our customers.
In recent years, streetlight technology has taken a significant leap forward, thanks to the incorporation of optic technology. Traditional streetlights, with their limited range and often inefficient illumination, have been replaced by modern, smart lighting systems that harness the power of advanced optics.
Next Generation of our LEDLUME range
Our LEDLUME range, consisting of the LEDLUME-MINI, LEDLUME-MIDI and LEDLUME-MAXI, has always incorporated efficient LED optics, the LensoFlex®2 optic range. Time does not stand still, and more efficient optics are constantly being developed. We have made the decision to change our LED optics to the HiFlexTM range, providing an even more efficient way to control the light exactly where it is needed.
With this change, we have decided to rename the LEDLUME range, and to add another size, as follows:
Optic technology enhances streetlights in several ways. These innovative systems employ precision lenses and reflectors that carefully control the direction and spread of light. This ensures that the illumination is focused precisely where it is needed, minimizing light spillage and reducing light pollution, which is not only an eyesore but also detrimental to our environment and health.
- LEDLUME-MINI is now the LEDLUME 1
- LEDLUME 2 is the new addition to the range
- LEDLUME-MIDI is now the LEDLUME 3
- LEDLUME-MAXI is now the LEDLUME 4
- Next Generation of our LEDLUME range
The result is the illumination of roads, sidewalks, and public spaces with greater efficiency and effectiveness. This not only improves safety by providing well-lit areas, but also contributes to energy conservation and cost savings.
The integration of optic technology into streetlight design not only transforms the urban landscape but also signifies a commitment to sustainability and a brighter future for all.
View the updated LEDLUME brochure here. Contact us today for a quote!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new outdoor SOLAR sports lighting solution, the SOLARFLOOD-SPORT! Our new solar lighting solution provides a high performing, robust option for outdoor recreational sports field applications. The SOLARFLOOD-SPORT has been designed and manufactured in South Africa for harsh environmental conditions, preventing early failure and offering a reliable solution at a 5-hour 100% light output for 365 days a year. Only top-rated quality components have been selected, leading to maximised product lifetime.
The SOLARFLOOD-SPORT luminaire provides a light output of 21,000 lumen, with a cool white LED colour temperature (5700K). This solution provides adequate lighting even during loadshedding/reduction times.
Currently we offer four standard design options with lighting levels varying up to 92lux average with amazing uniformities:
- Full size soccer field
- 5-A-Side soccer field
- Single multi-purpose field
- Double multi-purpose field
These applications were selected as the most common community sporting environments. However, any custom solutions could also be designed and supplied.
The SOLARFLOOD-SPORT is a great option for community recreational sporting activities and offers solutions where reticulation and energy costs are not affordable to the community. By installing a sustainable lighting solution, social and sports areas can be transformed into well-lit community venues, creating a safe environment for community members to have gatherings of a social nature, albeit informal markets, meetings and just a safe environment for children to enjoy a healthy way of life.
Further key highlights of the SOLARFLOOD-SPORT include:
- Sufficient autonomy to cater for up to two continuous overcast or rainy days, to continue its reliable operation;
- Long life lithium (LifePO4) energy storage technology, offering up to eight years battery lifetime;
- Cost benefits as no cable reticulation is required;
- Warranty up to 5 years (Terms and conditions apply).
View the SOLARFLOOD-SPORT brochure here. Contact us today for a quote!
We are pleased to announce that we have achieved the EcoVadis Gold rating for the second year in a row. We improved our sustainability rating by 3 points in 2023 which demonstrates our determination and commitment to systematically improving our sustainability performance and that of our customers.
Sustainability is embedded in our collaborative mindset at Schréder and we would like to thank our incredible teams and partners for shaping a more sustainable future for our Planet, for our People and for our Community
EcoVadis evaluates more than 100,000 organisations in over 175 countries and in over 200 industries every year. Based on 21 criteria, the rating assesses a company’s performance in four categories: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
Schréder has been awarded the Gold level, with a score of 71 out of 100 points, in the EcoVadis 2023 internationally recognised sustainability rating. This rating places Schréder in the top 5% of global suppliers across all industries and recognises our continuous commitment to all aspects of sustainability.
Schréder has participated in EcoVadis since 2020, steadily increasing our rating every year from Bronze to Gold for the second time in 2023. Our higher rating illustrates our determination and commitment to systematically improving our sustainability performance. For 2023, this achievement is thanks to progress in all areas with a special focus on our SBTi commitment to reduce our CO2 emissions and a number of new HR initiatives for our people.
"Improving our sustainability performance is an ongoing journey and we are really pleased to have been awarded this Gold rating for the second year in a row with a higher score. We are constantly analysing our actions to see where we can improve and acting on these insights. This rating demonstrates our progress and the commitment of our teams to responsible business practices."
Xavier Uhlen
Schréder Audit, Risk and Sustainability Director
Sustainability is embedded in our collaborative mindset. We are continuously looking for new ways to further reduce our CO2 emissions, manufacture more sustainably and provide our customers with even more efficient, sustainable and responsible solutions to protect our planet. This rating reassures our customers and partners that they have a responsible and trustworthy supplier who is committed to the local communities in which we operate.
To find out more, read about our Together for our Future sustainability strategy or download our Sustainability Report.
We are excited to announce the launch of our new decorative solar post top luminaire, the SOZELLA! We are excited to announce the launch of our new decorative solar post top luminaire, the SOZELLA! The SOZELLA solar post top luminaire provides a modern design with clean lines using state-of-the-art technology and is suitable for most urban lighting applications.
This solar luminaire is designed to operate independently of the electrical grid. It relies solely on solar energy for power, eliminating the need for external electricity sources or wiring infrastructure. This makes it highly suitable for remote locations, areas with unreliable power supply, or regions where grid connection is difficult or costly.
The lighting system is designed to be efficient and reliable, with low maintenance requirements and no electricity costs. The luminaire is made of high-quality materials, such as ASA and die-cast aluminium, to ensure long-lasting durability and resistance to weather and other environmental factors. The design of the luminaire is very specific to enhance the harvesting of the sun for optimal charging of the battery.
In addition to its energy efficiency and durability, the SOZELLA post top luminaire is also a sustainable lighting solution that reduces carbon emissions and promotes a greener environment. This makes it an ideal choice for eco-conscious municipalities, businesses and homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact while providing effective lighting for outdoor areas.
Key advantages of the SOZELLA include:
- Designed and manufactured in South Africa, thus taking the continent’s harsh environmental conditions into account
- Flexible LED engine configurations to cover a wide range of applications
- Low glare and pleasant visual appearance
- Designed to operate daily with an output of 11 hours to incorporate appropriate dimming profiles according to your needs and application, with optional movement sensor where applicable
- Sufficient autonomy to cater for up to two continuous overcast or rainy days, to continue its reliable night operation
- Specifically engineered for all geographical locations in Africa
- Warranty up to 5 years (Terms and conditions apply)
SOZELLA solar post top luminaire| BEKA Schréder
The SOZELLA solar post top luminaire is designed to operate independently of the electrical grid. Suitable for most urban outdoor lighting applications.za.schreder.com