Truck-Lite buys Euro LED maker

FALCONER, N.Y. — Truck and trailer lighting manufacturer Truck-Lite has acquired Flexible Lamps Ltd. of Harlow, England.

Marketing under the Rubbolite and FL brand names, Flexible Lamps is a major manufacturer of incandescent and LED lighting for the commercial vehicle market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Flexible Lamps allows us to continue to support our customers’ global sourcing requirements,” said Brian Kupchella, president of Truck-Lite said. “Flexible Lamps’ strong relationships with customers in the heavy duty truck and trailer markets, their extensive distribution network across Europe, and wide brand recognition fits our continuing efforts to be the ‘See and Be Seen’ lighting supplier for the worldwide transportation industry.”

Founded in 1924, Flexible Lamps employs approximately 600 people in three manufacturing and distribution facilities in England and France. Major customers are Volvo, DaimlerChrysler, Scania, Ford, GM, Partco, and SDC. Company sales in 2005 were over $50 million US.

“Truck-Lite and Flexible Lamps have the same philosophy of providing well engineered, high quality products supported by excellent customer service,” said managing director of Flexible Lamps Dennis Cunning in a press release. “The synergies from our two companies will take this focus to a new level.”