The beginning
Founders Tomi Kuntze and Hannu Hukkanen had been designing LED lighting solutions for the automotive industry since 1997. By 2002 almost half of all automotive LED lights in the world could be traced back to their design tables. But they saw a future for LED far beyond just automotive lighting and so in 2002, borrowing 4000 euros each, they founded LEDiL Oy and started a revolution in the lighting world.
From side-projects to the birth of “FLARE”
In order to generate cash flow Tomi and Hannu undertook a variety of side projects in the beginning, designing and manufacturing plastic molds in Portugal for customers in Finland. Other projects included optics for data communication and various lamp installations such as the Stockmann department store Christmas windows for all stores across the country. The pair also launched their own LED lamps under the brand name Jewel winning an innovation prize in Finland as well as finding time to share their knowledge by providing training courses for Finnish companies.
Even telecommunications giants, like Nokia and Sagem from France came knocking, realizing LEDiL’s design expertise extended well beyond what they had in-house, but Tomi and Hannu hadn’t forgotten their main purpose and 2003 also saw the launch of FLARE, the company’s first lens. Intended for emergency vehicles FLARE quickly became a bestseller and is still in production today.
Introducing “APOLLO”
Things were developing nicely and in 2005 LEDiL attended its first trade fair, ‘Lightfair International’ in New York, introducing the world to its first product family, APOLLO. The same product is still available today and continues to sell well; only the name has changed and the family is now called EMILY.
Big-scale manufacturing to meet rocketing demand
In order to remain competitive LEDiL began production in China in 2005, and with increased demand manufacturing began to scale in 2006. This was also the year the company first attended the all important bi-annual Light and Building fair in Frankfurt on a joint stand with OSRAM.
The team takes shape
Sales were increasing rapidly and new market opportunities were presenting themselves on an almost daily basis. Tomi realized he couldn’t manage everything on his own, and so decided to hire much needed administrative sales support. With a new respected Sales Director, LEDiL's dedicated staff opened up the all important Chinese market that year. On the design side Hannu also needed more help with optics design and so Olli Laakkio, who had held various positions in the company since 2003, joined his team.
From international to a global player
This was the tipping point for LEDiL as the company signed distribution key agreements with Arrow and online distributor Digi-Key giving the company a truly global reach for the first time.
CEO and captain of growth
LEDiL was growing quickly, but the pace was speeding up, and in 2010 it broke the sound barrier. With such explosive growth Tomi and Hannu knew they needed someone with experience in scalable processes and corporate management to take the company to the next level. In November they invited Rami Huovinen to join LEDiL as a partner and CEO, leaving the two original founders the time they needed to continue focusing on innovation, growth and building the wealth of the company.
Award winning company
Hard work brings awards and in 2011 LEDiL was very well awarded indeed. The company earned no less than 7 national awards including the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Trade Category and the nationally renowned and respected Finnish Company of the Year award
Guarding the house of quality
A comprehensive and ever-growing portfolio of highly original innovations and designs made LEDiL a market leader. The company knew it was about time this intellectual capital was protected and so started its comprehensive patenting process in earnest. Quality is also a cornerstone of the company and in August LEDiL was awarded ISO 9001 quality certification.
A product for every purpose
The portfolio reaches 3000 unique products with the introduction of the FLORENCE product family – a linear optic array strengthening the company’s position as a market-leading innovator. Further enhancing its commitment to quality LEDiL is awarded ISO 14001.
Ratos open a new horizon
A momentous event in the story of LEDiL when Swedish investment specialist Ratos becomes a major owner of the company. With 16,100 employees and a SEK 33 billion turnover Ratos provides LEDiL with access to intellectual capital and financing for future growth in an increasingly competitive market. Finland’s President, Sauli Niinistö, presented LEDiL with the coveted Internationalization Award .
LEDiL sets foot on American soil
Realizing the huge potential of the Americas LEDiL makes a firm and lasting commitment to this important market area by establishing LEDiL Inc. in Sycamore, Illinois.
A new house of light
Another notable year in an ever more dynamic and rich history, the company moves to bigger premises, giving it more flexibility to meet ever increasing market demand and changing customer needs. As you would expect from being located right next door to the old Nokia campus, the new corporate headquarters is jam packed with cutting edge technology and equipment to help ensure LEDiL optics remain the best in the business.
Centralized logistics and human-centric lighting
To better serve its customers and partners in both Asia and the rest of the world, LEDiL acquires Hong Kong based Delivered Limited, a trusted logistics partner since 2014.
LEDiL launch the DAISY family of low glare, human-centric optics for premium office and retail spaces.
LEDiL family grows in China
As part of its commitment to the China market and to better serve its customers there, LEDiL opens a new office in Shenzhen.
From challenges to new innovations
Despite 2020 being a challenging year globally, LEDiL performed well. Company reorganisations led to positive results, enabling LEDiL to address and fulfil customer needs even more effectively. A new strategic plan and organisational structure revitalised LEDiL's business plan and realigned the company's focus and priorities.
Due to a huge global demand for various UV-C solutions, LEDiL launched the world's first standard silicone optics specifically designed for best performance in UV-C applications.
Strongest full year performance of all times
LEDiL achieved its highest all-time performance despite the pandemic, global logistics challenges, and component shortages, demonstrating growth with sustainable profitability. The team not only met but exceeded their objectives. Strong performance throughout the year, positioned LEDiL to enhance its offerings and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.
20 years of innovation
In 2020 we celebrated 20 years anniversary of optics innovation. LEDiL's innovative, patent-pending YASMEEN zoom optics received recognition from the world’s leading experts with both the prestigious
Design Plus Award powered by Light+Building and
LEDs Magazine’s 2022 BrightStar Award.
LEDiL creates biologically sustainable lighting with LEDiL AMBER lenses. AMBER ensures always warm colours and maintain excellent optical performance while providing safer night-time illumination for everyone.
New central warehouse
To improve delivery lead times, reduce transportation distances, and minimise our carbon footprint, LEDiL relocated its main warehouse operations closer to our European customers. The new warehouse in Poznan, Poland, operated by DB Schenker, is set to support LEDiL’s growth and presence in Europe.
New endeavors
In 2024, the company announced many significant milestones. LEDiL acquired Ingemann Components, a leading northern European company in optical diffusive and reflective components. This acquisition creates a one-stop shop for indoor lighting manufacturers, combining LEDiL's global reach with Ingemann's expertise in optimising light output and luminaire efficiency.
That same year, the timing was ideal to relocate the corporate headquarters to a more suitable location, the IoT Campus in Salo.
What's next
At LEDiL, we are dedicated to advancing LED lighting quality through continuous innovation and excellence. Our state-of-the-art optical solutions enhance wellbeing, functionality, safety, and sustainability, delivering extraordinary results across diverse applications. With the acquisition of Ingemann Components, we strengthen our market leadership. Our priority remains to enable and strengthen a shared ecosystem of light with our customers and partners because we know that no one can achieve a better future alone.
