Signify (company)

Signify (company). Signify is a global leader in lighting, renowned for its innovations in energy-efficient LED lighting, connected lighting systems, and professional lighting solutions. Headquartered in Eindhoven, the company operates in over 70 countries and serves a diverse range of markets including consumer, professional, and the Internet of Things. Formerly known as Philips Lighting, the company rebranded to Signify in 2018 while retaining the right to use the Philips brand for its products.

History

The company's origins are deeply intertwined with the lighting division of the Dutch multinational Royal Philips, which began its lighting activities in the late 19th century. A pivotal moment came in 1991 with the invention of the first commercially viable blue LED by Shuji Nakamura of Nichia Corporation, a breakthrough that enabled the development of white LED lamps and set the stage for a lighting revolution. As the lighting industry evolved, the division was spun off and began trading independently on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in 2016. The decision to change its name to Signify in 2018 was driven by a strategic shift towards connected lighting and digital services, moving beyond its traditional identity as a manufacturer of light bulbs. This transformation was further solidified through key acquisitions, including that of Cooper Lighting in 2020, significantly strengthening its position in the North American market.

Products and services

Signify's portfolio is centered on energy-efficient lighting and smart systems, with its Philips Hue brand being a globally recognized leader in connected home lighting. For professional and architectural applications, it offers advanced systems under brands like Philips Dynalite and Color Kinetics, enabling dynamic lighting for spaces ranging from office buildings in New York City to stadiums like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The company also provides comprehensive lighting-as-a-service offerings, where customers pay for light rather than hardware, a model promoted through initiatives like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's circular economy principles. Its product range extends to specialized lighting for horticulture, supporting urban farms, and UV-C disinfection lighting, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operations

With its global headquarters in the Brainport Eindhoven high-tech region, Signify maintains a significant manufacturing and research footprint worldwide. Key innovation hubs are located in Eindhoven, Shanghai, and Burlington, driving development in areas like Li-Fi (light fidelity) communication technology and Interact IoT platforms. The company's manufacturing network spans continents, with major facilities in countries including Poland, India, and China, ensuring a resilient supply chain. Its commercial operations are structured into three main divisions: the Digital Solutions segment for connected systems, the Traditional Products segment, and a dedicated division for the iconic Philips brand, which is licensed from Royal Philips.

Sustainability initiatives

Sustainability is a core pillar of Signify's strategy, with the company achieving carbon neutrality in its operations in 2020, a milestone verified by the Science Based Targets initiative. A major component of this effort is its commitment to using 100% renewable electricity across all its sites, sourcing power from providers like Eneco in the Netherlands and through power purchase agreements for solar and wind energy. The company actively promotes circular economy models, designing products for longevity, reuse, and recyclability, and has partnered with organizations such as the World Green Building Council. Furthermore, its energy-efficient lighting products contribute significantly to global carbon reduction, aligning with international climate goals like the Paris Agreement.

Corporate affairs

Signify is a publicly listed company on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange and is a constituent of the AEX index. The company engages in numerous strategic partnerships, including collaborations with technology giants like Amazon Web Services for cloud-based lighting services and with telecommunications companies to integrate lighting into smart city infrastructures. It faces a competitive landscape that includes other major lighting and technology firms such as Acuity Brands, Osram, and General Electric. Signify is also recognized for its corporate social responsibility programs, focusing on initiatives to improve lighting access in underserved communities through partnerships with the United Nations and the World Bank.

Category:Lighting companies Category:Companies based in Eindhoven Category:Companies listed on Euronext Amsterdam