Forge Europa celebrates 25th anniversary


24th April 2018

(UK) – Forge Europa celebrates a quarter of a century in business.

Founded in 1993 by Peter Barton, Forge Europa, an LED lighting solutions firm that manufactures LED solutions focused on innovation and quality whilst providing accompanying customer service and technical support, celebrated its best year in 2017.

Forge began as a sole trader operating out of a spare room at Barton’s home. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength and today delivers innovative LED lighting solutions to customers in 34 different countries. The company invested heavily in R&D and testing facilities to aid its position at the forefront of LED technology and has developed a number of industry firsts, including ranges of interlocking LED displays and underwater lighting, as well as precision optics for anything from designer lighting to helicopter landing pads. Forge Europa received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Outstanding Innovation in 2009 and the building of its imposing Lighting Solutions Centre, which was opened by HRH, Duke of York in 2012.

Barton, founder and CEO commented: “Starting the business in 1993 was a leap into the unknown, which required a huge amount of hard work and tenacity, mixed with occasional inspiration and, of course a bit of luck. However, without doubt my biggest asset in the beginning was a very supportive family that had tremendous faith and convinced me that anything was possible. LED technology has changed beyond recognition since 1993 when, effectively, white LEDs, which are now the mainstay of the lighting industry, didn’t exist. One thing I have learnt is that a company must constantly keep innovating to stay ahead and therefore I’m absolutely delighted that, despite the ongoing challenges and uncertainty of Brexit, our 25th year has been our most successful so far. We have a very professional team with a diverse range of talents, many of who have been with the company for a long time. I thoroughly appreciate all their hard work, loyalty and, occasionally, requisite sense of humour. After 25 years of growing success, I believe that our best times are ahead of us.”

Ian Dixon, Commercial Director, has been involved for eighteen of Forge’s 25 years and puts this down to a unique combination of the continuous development in LED technology, the evolving diverse market place and a business that continually invests and re-invents itself to keep it at the top of its game. Dixon commented: “Forge Europa’s customers are the life blood of the company and working with them across so many market sectors is not only interesting but an absolute pleasure.”

Technical Director David Scott-Maxwell has been with the business for thirteen years and commented: “It’s been both highly challenging and hugely stimulating to have helped Forge Europa grow at the leading edge of the LED Lighting Revolution over the last decade or so. But LED Lighting is still really only in its infancy – so here’s to the next ten years!”

www.forge.co.uk