FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Eaton, Optronics Marketing Manager
Phone: (918) 683-9514 ext. 227
E-mail: neaton@optronicsinc.com
TULSA, Okla (April 29, 2010) - Optronics International announced today that it has acquired the Panelite® Millenium Series™ lighting brand, patents and tooling, as well as the rights to Panelite's custom stainless steel truck accessories.
Officials at the 38-year-old vehicular lighting manufacturer say the acquisition is a good fit to their expertise, and that while some Millenium Series lighting products will be available in 30 days, the entire line will be in stock by July 1.
"We are a financially sound company committed to our industry for the long term. Optronics has a proven record for high quality products, and being an OEM supplier, we clearly understand the importance of having inventory available to supply both the OEM and aftermarket. We support our customers and products with world class customer service and an industry-leading warranty program."
The announcement is good news to truckers, OEMs, and aftermarket suppliers. Several months prior to Panelite Corporation's permanent closure in January, the struggling company experienced difficulty delivering its industry-leading Millenium Series marker lights. As a result, these popular Panelite products have been in limited supply for an extended period.
Johnson explained that Optronics has purchased all of Panelite Corporation's intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, licensing agreements and tooling. He said his company's intentions are to continue the selling, marketing and development of the Millenium Series product line, along with many of Panelite's accessories.
Helping Optronics ensure a seamless transition is 16-year Panelite executive Sean Whitfield.
"Optronics is poised to take what we had at Panelite to a new and higher level," Whitfield said. "You will see exactly the same high quality product standards that have made the Millenium Series the top choice of truckers and OEMs for many years."
"We're a lighting company, that's what we do," added Randy Varner, Optronics national sales manager, Heavy Duty. "We are an industry leader in safety lighting for the OEM and aftermarket, with the broadest line of LED products in the industry. We're ready to serve the needs of our Panelite customers at the same high standards as our current Optronics customers. By July 1, the Millenium Series lights will be part of our standard 'ship 100 percent in 72 hours' policy for which Optronics is known. Our centrally located distribution center near Tulsa (Okla.) means we can ship efficiently across the country, and also worldwide."
Johnson reinforced Varner's comments and further explained that while Panelite lighting products will be available by early summer, Optronics is taking more time to evaluate the accessories products associated with the acquisition.
"We're making no changes to the Millenium Series lighting; it will be just like it has been - same tooling, same product," Johnson confirmed. "However, we will be taking a little longer to study the accessories part of the equation. Our most important message at this time is that Panelite's product lines are back on the market, and only Optronics owns the full marketing and manufacturing rights for them. We will protect them just like we do all of our patented and trademarked products."
For more information about Optronics International and its extensive line of OEM and aftermarket vehicular lighting products, including the Panelite Millenium Series, visit OptronicsInc.com.
About Optronics International
Founded in 1972, Optronics International is a premier worldwide manufacturer and supplier of branded and OEM recreational, industrial and vehicular safety lighting products and accessories. The company specializes in interior and exterior LED, incandescent and fluorescent lighting for the marine, RV, trailer, HD and transit vehicle markets. Among Optronics many well-known brands are Optronics®, Miro-Flex™, HyperX®, FLEET Count™, Burners®, Panelite® and Panelite Millenium Series™.
Optronics is a privately held corporation with manufacturing (ISO/TS-16949) based in Muskogee, Okla., Elkhart, Ind., and offshore. The distribution warehouse is centrally located in the United States at Muskogee. Photometric and mechanical testing is conducted at points of manufacture and distribution to ensure quality consistency and FMVSS 108 compliance of the company's safety lighting products. Corporate headquarters is in nearby Tulsa, Okla.