Jordan O'BrienLutron is pretty reputable in the smart lighting market, but in its 57-year history it has never actually made its own bulbs or light source. That will change from today, as the company has announced the acquisition of ‘natural light’ manufacturer, Ketra.
Ketra’s goal is to emulate daylight in interior spaces, and its high-end offering has made quite an impact since it first launched in 2009. Not only does the company manufacturer all of its own light sources, but it also employs a lot of smart technology in controlling its systems.
Like some of Lutron’s products, Ketra utilises the Zigbee protocol, for changing everything from individual LEDs to colour temperature. In fact, its product range is able to create anything from high-quality whites, pastels, or saturated colours, which offer installers and homeowners an easy way to precisely tailor the light to meet the needs of a space.
Not only does Ketra offer smart and precise control, but the company has also been big advocates of the integrator market. Its Design Studio tool has made it easy for integrators to set-up Ketra’s range of products, allowing them to fine-tune colour temperature and saturation levels.
“Our company started over 57 years ago with our founders innovating the electronic light dimmer – a device that delivered beautiful light controlled by the end user,” says Mike Pessina, co-CEO and president at Lutron Electronics.
“Ketra’s range of quality light complements the Lutron light control product offering and enables our customers to create a more comfortable, productive and pleasant environment at home and at work. We’re excited to deliver this expanded light control solution to the industry.”
Nav Sooch, Ketra CEO, says the acquisition will provide numerous benefits to lighting professionals and homeowners alike.
“Lutron’s global reach, unmatched service, support, and outstanding reputation offer new opportunities to expand the market for Ketra’s unique Natural Light offering,” he says. “We’re excited to join the Lutron family and together bring new solutions to our customers,” says Sooch.
Ketra light sources are compatible with the Lutron HomeWorks QS total home control system and Lutron Quantum total light management system. Lutron says that it will be evaluating Ketra solutions, which includes fixtures, controls and keypads in addition to the bulbs, and incorporate them into Lutron’s offerings.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it has been noted that Ketra will be retaining its R&D facility in Austin, Texas.