Altair Launches ilumisys: New Business Spinoff to Focus on Next-Generation Solid-State Lighting
New technology subsidiary will provide direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lamps.
TROY, Mich., (April 30, 2007) - Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services that strengthen client innovation and decision-making, today announced the formation of ilumisys, a technology spinoff that will focus on the direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.
ilumisys will bring mercury-free lighting products to market that directly replace standard T-8 and T-12 fluorescent tubes. The technology offers ballast-independent operation and takes full advantage of important LED attributes, including energy efficiency, long life, temperature robustness, vibration tolerance and color control.
"We are very excited about starting a new technology company in Michigan," said James R. Scapa, president and CEO of Altair Engineering, Inc. "
ilumisys is on the leading-edge of the rapidly emerging solid-state lighting market and promises clear benefits to the environment in terms of the reduction of both energy use and mercury pollution."
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that energy consumption for lighting can be reduced by more than 20 percent by 2020 through the use of solid-state LED-based lighting. In addition, 500 million to 600 million fluorescent tubes are disposed of in the United States every year. Despite industry efforts to limit mercury content and encourage recycling, this represents a significant amount of mercury being added to landfills.
The new
ilumisys management team consists of President Dave Simon, Vice President of Technology Jack Ivey and Director of Research Frank Palazzolo. Simon has 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations as well as 12 years in advanced product development. He holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in management from Walsh College in Troy, Mich. Ivey has more than 20 years of experience in electrical and electronics engineering. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Palazzolo has more than 17 years of experience in advanced product research and development. With specific expertise in switching power design and system modeling, he holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University and Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., respectively.
"We have invested heavily in technical research to extend the value of the original patent work," said Simon. "The direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with LED lamps represents continued improvement not only to our own technology, but also to core LED efficiencies. These advancements will lead to significant energy and environmental benefits. We are confident that
ilumisys will be a driving force in the development of next-generation lighting as well as showcase the technological expertise we have here in Michigan."
The initial business of the wholly owned subsidiary includes technical research, product development and the establishment of distribution channels for next-generation solid-state lighting.
About ilumisys
ilumisys is a Troy, Michigan-based company focused on next-generation solid-state lighting technology. The company was formed in 2007 as a spinoff venture and wholly owned subsidiary of Altair Engineering, Inc. Initial products will be derived from Altair's intellectual property as they relate to the direct replacement of fluorescent light tubes with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. For more information, please visit
www.ilumisys.com.
About Altair Engineering
Altair Engineering, Inc. strengthens client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held with more than 1,200 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 20-year-plus track record for product design, advanced engineering software and grid computing technologies, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. To learn more, please visit
www.altair.com.