History

When the first plant was purchased in February 1978, the company was just a bright idea. Now, almost 25 years and numerous industry firsts later, the company is an established industry leader, employing over 1,000 people. The Seymour, Indiana facility encompasses more than half a million square feet, and the company operates a manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico and a sales office in Dearborn, Michigan. Leading automotive manufacturers rely on Valeo Sylvania for innovative exterior lighting and signaling systems.

Originally known as GTE Sylvania, the company was committed exclusively to engineering improved automotive lighting products. Today, the company is known worldwide as Valeo Sylvania --- a joint venture between Osram Sylvania, Inc. and Valeo. Osram Sylvania, Inc. is Number 1 worldwide in automotive lamps. Valeo is ranked among the Top 10 Automotive Component Suppliers Worldwide. The companies had 700 patent filings in 1999. Together Osram Sylvania and Valeo have unequalled expertise and lighting experience. Products coming from the companies equip one vehicle out of four worldwide!

• 1978 - Plant site (Plant #1) purchased
• 1978 - Produced first lamp (1A1)
• 1980 - First shipment to International customers: VW & Subaru
• 1981 - Production of incandescent aftermarket lamps
• 1982 - Lens design laboratory installed
• 1983 - Introduced plastic sealed beams
• 1985 - Computer Aided Design equipment installed
• 1985 - Leased Building #2 (Square Footage= 57,000)
• 1986 - Robotic reflector coating installed
• 1987 - Research & Development laboratory installed
• 1987 - Leased Building #3 (Square Footage= 23,000)
• 1988 - Purchased Building #4 (Square Footage= 90,000)
• 1989 - Computer Aided Design equipment installed (PDGS)
• 1990 - Automated lens coating system installed
• 1991 - In-Chamber reflector coating installed
• 1993 - Completed East Addition of 126,000 sq. ft.
• 1995 - Completed South Addition of 138,000 sq. foot (471,000 Total)
• 1999 - Valeo Sylvania joint venture begins
• 2001 - Completed Engineering Office Renovations
• 2009 - Achieved OHSAS 18001 Specification
• 2010 - Awarded TEMA ABM Award from Toyota North America