Canlyte engineers were tasked with developing two types of products; indoor lighting using remote phosphor technology; and LED technology used in the creation of high-end optical products for exterior lighting.
These patented innovations required a controlled assembly line to ensure the elimination of contaminants and static electricity that could affect product quality and performance. To that end, Canlyte built its own clean room, and is thought to be one of the first companies in Canada to use a controlled environment for the production of LED lighting technology.
"The move from incandescent to LED lighting represents a major technological turn for the industry, as enormous as the move from cash registers to today's computers," says Mike Gentile, President of Canlyte Ltd. "LEDs are 50 per cent more efficient than traditional light bulbs, consume less energy and have a longevity of more than 15 years or 50,000 hours."
Because Canlyte already produces such a large amount of Philips' lighting systems, the company was quick to award the development mandate of these innovative LED lighting systems to the Quebec division.
For one thing, the expertise is already in place in Montreal. With 229 trained employees, the Montreal plant is able to meet industry standards and adapt more easily, says Canlyte.
Finally, of Canada's four leading manufacturers of lighting products, only Philips produces its lighting systems in the country. Canlyte was part of the Genlyte group acquired by Philips 2 years ago (see News).
Canlyte plans to double annual production over the next several years, thanks in large part to steady demand in the US export market.
