From hobby lamp to international lighting
Illuxtron was founded in 1976, during a time when lighting primarily consisted of simple wall lamps, fluorescent fixtures, and glass ceiling bowls. VRIELAND developed the Hobby Lamp, a fixture that gained popularity in the 1970s and was soon sold throughout much of Europe.
The knowledge, product development and entrepreneurial spirit from this period ultimately formed the basis for Illuxtron International.
1971 - The beginnings of VRIELAND
During a visit to a supplier of metal components, Quinten Sr. van de Vrie discovered a batch of parts for a hobby lamp. Due to the original customer's bankruptcy, the parts were lying unused in the factory's warehouse. Quinten Sr. immediately saw the product's potential and decided to assemble a few sets locally through the sheltered workshops in Vlissingen and Middelburg.
After producing the first models, the lamps were presented to potential customers, including the German mail-order company QUELLE. Shortly afterwards, a large order followed, and the Hobby Lamp was also sold to customers in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
The company VRIELAND B.V. was established in Goes to market these products.
1976 - The introduction of spotlights
Shortly after the success of the Hobby Lamp, QUELLE introduced a new concept: a small, adjustable wall-mounted spotlight. At that time, spotlighting was virtually unknown in domestic and consumer lighting.
Working closely with German suppliers, the initial concept of the spotlight was further developed. The reflector lamp was equipped with an additional reflector cap, resulting in a softer, more comfortable light distribution. This innovation led to the creation of the so-called "Combi-Spot."
The collaboration with German partners quickly evolved into a permanent development group. Together, they developed a complete range of spotlight products, including wall spotlights, clamp spotlights, and multi-light bars.
Early 1980s – International growth
VRIELAND's growth significantly accelerated after its participation in the international lighting fair, Salon de Lumière, in Paris. By then, VRIELAND had developed an extensive collection of spotlights that was innovative for the market at the time. The collection attracted considerable attention from buyers, distributors and lighting companies across Europe.
In the years that followed, VRIELAND continued to grow into an international player, working with clients such as IKEA, Bauhaus, Massive Belgium, Resistex, Aric, and Firstlight UK.
Simultaneously, the company evolved into a genuine family business. Various relatives of Quinten Sr. Van de Vrie, including Quinten Jr. (who later founded Illuxtron), assumed roles in product development, production, purchasing, and sales.
Late 1980s - Production in Zeeland
As the product range expanded in the late 1980s, so too did production capacity. Initially, the company worked with sheltered workshops in Limburg and Zeeland. Later, assembly was centralised at the premises in Eindewege.
During that time, it was unusual for a company to collaborate with hundreds of families working from home in Zuid-Beveland. Components were delivered to their homes by vans, and after the families assembled the luminaires, the finished products were collected for inspection, packaging, and dispatch.
The company experienced rapid growth over a short period, and by the early 1990s, VRIELAND had achieved a turnover of over 30 million guilders.
1987 – Acquisition of VRIELAND by ATAG
Following the acquisition of VRIELAND by ATAG, Quinten Sr. Van de Vrie moved to Hong Kong to set up a new organisation there to produce European lighting in China.
Under the name E-LITE (European Lighting), an office and showroom were opened in Hong Kong. From there, spotlights and halogen luminaires were developed and produced for European customers and OEM manufacturers.
1988: A new foundation for the future – Lighting Partner
After several years, VRIELAND came to an end. However, the market still needed the company's expertise, flexibility, and product development.
This demand ultimately led to the establishment of a new lighting company, Lighting Partner. The experience, international contacts, and knowledge gained during this time laid a crucial foundation for the current company, Illuxtron.