LED R&D Consuming Manufacturers Product Development Budgets

Another sign of the times in the lighting industry industry is the amount of R&D money manufacturers are spending on LED development. GE Lighting will spend 50% of its total 2010 R&D budget on LEDs, according to John Strainic the company' general manager, global lighting product management. However, at a press luncheon on May 12 Strainic said GE will fully support and continue to refine its other lamp lines.

WAC Lighting is also investing heavily in LED research and one source close to the company said WAC is spending more than 80% of its R&D budget on LEDs. Along with showcasing its growing selection of LED products at LightFair, the company had a prototype for an OLED chandelier at its booth.