...Do not put all of your eggs
in one basket. I have worked for
Strand (twice),
Kliegl Bros., DeSisti Lighting, and
Altman Stage Lighting, and all of these are or were contributors to the industry. ... Secondly, in case you do not know this,
Lehigh Electric is one of the oldest continuous
stage lighting manufacturers in existence (I say the oldest because what we know as
Strand actually happened in 1969) having been founded in 1961. It is family-owned and operated since its founding and one of the most financially solid companies that I have ever worked for. Management is conservative, not quick to jump on every fad. All R&D is done in-house, which cannot be said for many others in the industry that go outside or buy companies wholesale.
Lehigh is now #3 in the
stage construction market, ahead of
Leviton, ET/Genlyte/now Philips, and
EDI. We are just as strong in the Commercial Architectural market where we compete with Lutron, Lightolier,
Leviton, and Lithonia. Please note: your company must begin with the letter "L" or you are not a factor in this market.
Lehigh is a factor. I could go on and on but I am sure you have already tired of this rant. In closing, please do not talk any manufacturer into the
ground...you are talking about the livelihood of employees, retirees, family, and associate companies. And if you have a problem with a product, go to the source first. ...
Damian Delaney,
Lehigh Electric Products Co. (aka: Naimad)