Thorlux at 90 – innovation shaped by a proud history

2026 marks 90 years since our founder, Frederick William Thorpe, first made Thorlux products.

Based in a small factory in Small Heath, Birmingham, England, Frederick and his son Ernest initially designed and manufactured vitreous enamelled steel reflectors for gas-filled and discharge lamps.

Since then, Thorlux has grown into a globally recognised manufacturer of luminaires and lighting control systems. The company has expanded through several factories and now resides in a large, high-tech facility in Redditch, Worcestershire, just a few miles from its original location in Small Heath.

Our 90th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far Thorlux has come; much has changed, but the Thorpe family remains actively involved in the organisation, and the company still upholds its core values of family, engineering excellence, and innovation.

Several special events are planned throughout the year to mark this anniversary – watch this space for more information.

90 years of heritage - innovation shaped by a proud history.