From Hobby Lamp to International Lighting
Illuxtron’s origins date back to 1976. At a time when lighting still consisted mainly of simple wall sconces, fluorescent fixtures, and glass ceiling bowls, VRIELAND developed the Hobby Lamp: a fixture that became popular in the 1970s and was sold throughout much of Europe in a short period of time.
The knowledge, product development, and entrepreneurial spirit gained during this period ultimately laid the foundation for Illuxtron International.
1971 - The Beginnings of VRIELAND
During a visit to a supplier of metal parts, Quinten Sr. van de Vrie discovered a batch of parts for a hobby lamp. Due to the bankruptcy of the original customer, the parts had been sitting 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 the first models were produced, the lamps were presented to potential customers, including the German mail-order company QUELLE. Shortly thereafter, a large order was placed, 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 came up with a new idea: a small, adjustable wall spotlight. At that time, spotlighting was still virtually unknown in residential and consumer lighting.
Working with German suppliers, the initial design of the spot was further developed. The reflector lamp was shielded with an additional reflector cover, resulting in a softer and more comfortable light pattern. This led to the introduction of the so-called “Combi-Spot.”
The collaboration with German partners quickly evolved into a permanent development team. Together, they developed complete families of spotlights, including wall-mounted spotlights, clamp-on spotlights, and multi-beam spotlights.
Early 1980s – International Expansion
VRIELAND’s growth gained momentum following its participation in the international lighting trade show Salon de Lumière in Paris. By then, VRIELAND had developed an extensive collection of spotlights that was groundbreaking in the market at the time. The collection attracted significant attention from buyers, distributors, and lighting companies across Europe.
In the years that followed, VRIELAND continued to grow into an international player with clients such as IKEA, Bauhaus, Massive Belgium, Resistex, Aric, and Firstlight UK.
At the same time, the company evolved into a true family business. Several relatives of Quinten Sr. Van de Vrie, including Quinten Jr. (who later founded Illuxtron), took on roles in product development, manufacturing, purchasing, and sales.
Late 1980s – Production in Zeeland
As the product range expanded in the late 1980s, so did production capacity. Initially, the company worked with sheltered workshops in Limburg and Zeeland. Later, assembly operations were centralized at the company’s facility in Eindewege.
What was unusual for that time was the collaboration with hundreds of families working from home in Zuid-Beveland. Parts were delivered to their homes by delivery vans, and the assembled fixtures were then picked up for inspection, packaging, and shipping.
The company grew rapidly in a short period of time, and by the early 1990s, VRIELAND had achieved a turnover of over 30 million guilders.
1987 – Acquisition of VRIELAND by ATAG
Following ATAG’s acquisition of VRIELAND, Quinten Sr. Van de Vrie moved to Hong Kong to set up a new organization there for the production of European lighting in China.
An office and showroom was opened in Hong Kong under the name E-LITE (European Lighting). From there, spotlights and halogen fixtures were developed and manufactured for European customers and OEM manufacturers.
1988: A New Foundation for the Future – Lighting Partner
After a few years, VRIELAND came to an end. Nevertheless, the market continued to demand the expertise, flexibility, and product development for which the company was known.
This ultimately led to the founding of a new lighting company: Lighting Partner. The experience, international contacts, and knowledge gained during this period later formed an important foundation for today’s Illuxtron.