1932
Jules Thorn begins making light bulbs in Edmonton, North London. The company grew rapidly to become Thorn Lighting, one of the world’s largest producers of lamps, luminaires and lighting components.

1936
The company was strong enough to go public as Thorn Electrical Industries, later to become Thorn EMI.

1948
Thorn is the first company in Europe to mass-produce fluorescent tubes. Thorn research develops a new range of phosphors and improves cathode design.

1954
Thorn introduces the Popular Pack, which becomes the world’s best selling fluorescent light fitting.

1967
Thorn research assists development of the high-pressure sodium lamp, ten years ahead of commercial manufacture. The first dip-beam tungsten halogen headlamp for cars helps win the Queen’s Award for Technical Innovation.

1972
Thorn is the first manufacturer to offer an integrated system of lighting, heating and ventilation.

1973 - 79
Acquisition of Kaiser Leuchten, Germany. Thorn’s lighting engineering skills combined with a broad product range begin to develop a leading edge reputation.

1981
Thorn introduce the 2D compact fluorescent lamp, an energy saving replacement for the ordinary light bulb.

1985
Thorn begin manufacture of the high frequency electronic ballast, a major improvement in fluorescent lighting.

1987
Expansion in Europe continues with the acquisition of Jarnkonst, Sweden.

1988
Thorn proves its expertise in lighting management with the launch of the C-VAS system. Acquisition of Europhane in France and ALI/Howard Smith in Australia. Commencement of operations in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

1989
Thorn light fittings Aria spotlight and Modulight fluorescent win Die Gute Industrieform design awards at the Hannover Fair.

1991
Disposal of light source manufacturing operation to General Electric of the US. Launch of Sensa, the world’s first independent, intelligent light fitting for offices. Acquisition of Phillips’ airfield lighting business

1992
Commencement of operation in Czech Republic

1993
Thorn Lighting acquired from Thorn EMI in leveraged management buy-out.

1994
Successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange of TLG plc, as holding company of the Thorn Lighting Group.

1995 - 96
Further offices opened in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. Thorn establish first manufacturing plant in China

1996 - 97
Further development in Asia with the formation of a new joint venture with Jardine Pacific. Acquisition of DNT Europhane, making the Thorn Lighting Group the number two global airfield lighting operation outside the US.

1998 - 99
Acquisition of Danish lighting company Jakobsson to further strengthen Thorn’s position in architectural lighting. Thorn Lighting Group acquired by Wassall plc, a diversified, industrial holding company owning a broad portfolio of internationally based companies.