Thorn Lighting Ltd, a subsidiary of Zumtobel Group, was once the largest global producer of lamps and lighting fixtures. In its heyday, the Edmonton-based factory flourished, overtaking competitors and building an extensive production network. However, the story of its rise and eventual closure is one of ambition, innovation, and shifting priorities. More on edmonton1.one.
Origins of the Factory
In 1923, Joe Thorn moved to Edmonton as a sales representative for Olso, an Austrian manufacturer of gas mantles. By 1928, Olso had declared bankruptcy, prompting Thorn to start his own business. With Alfred Deutsch, Thorn established Electric Lamp Service Company Ltd, which initially produced incandescent light bulbs.
Thorn’s vision to create a factory capable of producing 30 million lamps annually was met with skepticism and ridicule. Undeterred, he went on to build over 70 factories worldwide, manufacturing not just lamps but also lighting fixtures.
Alongside the factory, Thorn opened a radio rental store in Edmonton. By 1932, the factory expanded its product line to include various types of light bulbs. By 1936, the company had gone public as Thorn Electrical Industries and became the world’s largest producer of lamps and lighting fixtures, earning a listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Initially producing light fixtures and household appliances, the factory later diversified into televisions and radios. By the time the Edmonton factory opened, it employed over 1,000 workers, including engineers, electricians, and support staff. Women played a significant role, particularly in sorting and quality control.
The Factory’s Golden Era
After going public, Thorn’s lamp business thrived. During World War II, production shifted to meet military needs. Post-war, Thorn invested in new factories and partnerships, producing a wide range of specialty lamps, radio valves, and military electronic components.
In 1947, the Edmonton factory launched PopPack, a track lighting product that became a best-seller with over 90 million units sold. Thorn’s emphasis on quality solidified the company’s reputation in Edmonton and beyond.
During a 1947 trip to America, Thorn forged a significant partnership with a company specializing in fluorescent lamps. This 15-year agreement allowed for mutual exchange of products and production equipment.
Thorn also diversified incandescent lamp production outside Edmonton to reduce costs, benefiting from government subsidies. This expansion led to the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Merthyr Tydfil, which operated in tandem with the Edmonton facility.
Closure of the Edmonton Factory
By the 1960s, Thorn’s brand had expanded significantly, with new branches in other cities outperforming Edmonton in profitability. In light of these developments, Thorn made the decision to shut down the Edmonton factory.
The factory ceased operations in 1967, as noted in a report by the Government Commission on Competition in Electrical Lamp Supplies.
Legacy of Thorn Lighting
The Edmonton factory’s history is a testament to Thorn’s vision and determination. Despite its closure, the factory laid the groundwork for a global lighting empire that set industry standards for quality and innovation.