In what might be an industry first, a custom installation company has merged with a lighting retailer. CE Pro 100 integration company System 7, and its sister company The Boston Shade Company, have announced plans to merge with Wolfers Lighting, a longtime Boston-area institution in the lighting fixture retail business.
The combination brings together home technology, motorized shading, and lighting to create a full-service lighting and home integration company for the New England region.
“Today’s homeowners expect technology in their new homes,” says Gerard Lynch of System 7 and The Boston Shade Company. “Lighting control systems and motorized shades are driving this market, and now, LED lighting fixtures have become an essential component of the smart home as well. I argue that lighting fixtures today are really part of lighting control.”
Lynch says many clients today are pushing the boundaries of what lighting can do, with individually controllable fixtures that allow for changing color and color temperature.
According to Lynch, there is no overlap between the companies. The new company will immediately combine operations and administration. Also, the combined company will eliminate the potential for incorrect specs or ordering that often results in unsmooth dimming and other problems.
“LED technology has changed the face of lighting. This merger creates a one-stop design resource for our clients as system integration and LED lighting continues to evolve,” says Jeff Seigal of Wolfers Lighting.
“This merger is a logical next step for our companies,” adds Steve Brand of Wolfers. “There is a natural alignment between LED fixtures, motorized shades, and how to control them. The combined strength and shared vision of our companies will offer seamless solutions needed to help our customers meet the technological advancements and challenges today”.
The merged companies will be unveiling more details of their merger in February. Lynch noted that the merger instantly makes the company a “top 10” firm in the CE Pro 100. In 2015, System 7 earned $5.3 million in revenue on 80 residential installations with a staff of 19 employees, good enough to be No. 46 on last year's CE Pro 100. System 7 was named the 2016 Integrator of the Year by the Consumer Technology Association at last year's CES.
Wolfers Lighting has been in business since 1931 serving Greater Boston and beyond. The company has two showrooms — in Waltham and Allston, Massachusetts — and it offers unique lighting labs that allow customers to experience lighting design in action. Wolfers is a 5-star Lutron showroom and a 2017 ‘Best of Boston’ winner.
System 7 is a Diamond Lutron dealer. The Boston Shade Company is a supplier of customized and motorized residential window treatments, offering professional design, installation, and support services in greater New England.
