Global technology distributor Avnet and Universal Lighting Technologies, a lighting manufacturer and a member of the Panasonic Group, announced a new agreement designating Avnet as Universal’s first OEM distributor authorized to sell the EVERLINE family of LED drivers and linear modules in the Americas. Effective immediately, OEM customers in markets such as automotive, healthcare, smart agriculture and connected lighting will have access to Universal’s advanced LED product family, supported by Avnet’s state-of-the-art technical resources and comprehensive supply chain optimization capabilities.

(Image: Business Wire)

In 2006, anticipating the shift in demand for high brightness illumination, Avnet ramped up its support for LED, high-performance power and optical/electromechanical products with the launch of the LightSpeed business unit. Since then, Avnet’s team of best-in-class technical experts, supply chain solutions architects and illumination-focused engineers, known as "Illumineers,” have helped customers throughout the Americas to develop next-generation, solid-state lighting products. In addition to providing LED components, Avnet’s team works with customers to create solutions that optimize performance, value and reliability by incorporating communications, precision control, tailored optics, sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) functionality into their designs.

“Our customers need access to the most advanced lighting technology available, and also to a technical team capable of guiding them through the complexities of designing cost-effective, differentiated LED solutions,” said Alex Iuorio, senior vice president, supplier development, Avnet. “Universal Lighting Technologies’ world-class research and development capabilities keep them on the cutting edge of the technology curve.”

Founded in 1947, Universal Lighting was one of the first companies in the industry to manufacture fluorescent ballasts. Today, 70 years and 150 patents later, Universal remains an innovator and trendsetter in the evolving lighting sector. Universal’s distinct LED solutions include LED drivers, LED modules and design/manufacture capabilities.

“Avnet’s proven reputation for helping customers adopt new LED technologies for nearly any application makes them an ideal partner for Universal,” said Joe Damiani, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Panasonic Lighting Americas, Inc. “Avnet’s understanding of lighting trends and design will accelerate adoption of our advanced components. Working together, Avnet and Universal can help clients further embrace lighting innovations which are changing the world around us.”