« Back to Facilities Management News Home
Orion Energy Systems, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of high-performance, energy-efficient LED retrofit lighting platforms was honored with the 29th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Market Adaptability award during an event at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisc., Thursday night. Orion was nominated by Wisconsin-based M3 Insurance.
The prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award program is an annual recognition of excellence in manufacturing. It celebrates the successes of manufacturers within the state: their innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction, and quality jobs. Orion was selected for the award from a pool of 26 nominees during the event, which included a presentation by Rebecca Kleefisch, Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor.
Orion was recognized for a remarkable transformation the company achieved when a massive shift occurred in market demand from the company’s legacy fluorescent lighting products to LED lighting in 2012. At the time, 90-percent of the company’s product line was fluorescent lighting. The complexity of the new technology would have a monumental impact on the organization from operations to its manufacturing process, finances, employee skill set, culture, and go-to-market strategy. Chief Executive Officer John Scribante would have to lead the organization through a rapid transition that was often distressing for the company’s more than 200 team members who were constantly challenged with all the changes the new technology presented.
Today, over 80-percent of Orion’s revenue is generated from highly technical digital ceiling platforms that encompass LED solid state lighting and can include intelligent controls. In 2016 Orion introduced the highest performing LED high bay fixture in the industry, solidifying that the company maintained its position as an industry innovator throughout the transition. In 2017, Orion announced the addition of 30 new Wisconsin-based manufacturing jobs as a result of the growing LED product line.
And, Orion customers, including nearly 40-percent of the Fortune 500, continue to save a significant amount of money on their electric bills, which they are using to generate additional revenue or to solve other business problems.
Orion Chief Executive Officer John Scribante said “This recognition by the people of the state of Wisconsin is truly a testament to the courage of Orion’s people. During a time of immense challenge and uncertainty, our team members banded together with extraordinary commitment and sheer determination to transform our company to what it is today. I am proud to lead a team of people who come to work every day dedicated to winning.” Scribante continued “We are extremely pleased to be honored with the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award for the third time and thank Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and M3 Insurance for the opportunity to be positioned with other companies of this caliber. And, I owe a debt of gratitude to our people who trusted in our vision when success was not always clear.”
