March 23, 2023 – In a letter to its customers yesterday, Universal Douglas Lighting Americas announced it is ceasing operations.

“All manufacturing operations will cease immediately and our facilities across North America are estimated to close by July 2023,” writes Steve Wybo, chief restructuring officer.

In a separate statement provided to Electrical Business Magazine, Wybo points to “the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic”, which has “hit all sides of Universal Douglas Lighting Americas Inc.” through a “combination of shortages, delays and high costs in industries vital to the LED industry”.

“The company has commenced layoff notifications of employees at the manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico and Canada as required by law,” Wybo continues in his statement. “The company is working to fill as many outstanding customer orders as possible. Management is supporting a chief restructuring officer, who is managing the next phase of these operations as the company moves toward strategic alternatives.”

In the letter to customers, he goes on to say “A dedicated UDLA representative will be contacting you in the coming days to discuss open orders, customer accounts payable owed, dedicated finished goods inventory on hand, and assets for sale, amongst others”.

Any questions about this announcement should be emailed to AR@universaldouglas.com.

Two years ago, Atar Capital acquired Panasonic’s American Lighting Division, which consisted of Universal Lighting Technologies Inc. and Douglas Lighting Controls Inc. The two were combined to form Universal Douglas Lighting Americas Inc.

— This news item was originally published March 23, 2023. It has been updated with additional quotes by Steve Wybo, which were provided by Universal’s communications agency.