1993...
… Manchester United won their first top flight title in 26 years led by a surprised Alex Ferguson. Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf reigned at Wimbledon. Eric Clapton, Madonna and Nirvana rocked the charts.
We all screamed at Jurassic Park, whilst Schindlers List and the Piano swept the Oscars. Petrol was a mere 45p per litre. John Major was PM, Bill Clinton became president, we said goodbye to Audrey Hepburn, and Justin Bieber wasn’t even a twinkle in his father’s eye.
In technology, Dyson launched the first bagless vacuum cleaner, Intel introduced the Pentium Processor, and Forge Europa was born. With respect to the dynamic lighting industry, 20 years is a long time…
| 1993 |
5th March, Peter Barton launches Forge Europa, specialising in LED displays. In October, first custom design solution is delivered
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| 1996 |
Innovative interlocking displays launched giving customers cost effective flexibility
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| 1998 |
Forge Europa move to new offices at the Old Railway, Ulverston, Cumbria
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| 2002 |
Forge Europa wins Exporter of the Year award, recognising success in exporting LED components and assemblies globally
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| 2004 |
First electronics company to be awarded the Community Mark for our ‘exemplary active role in social and corporate responsibility’
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| 2005 |
Visible Solutions launched to meet individual custom needs with innovative LED lighting solutions. Forge Europa’s commitment to quality endorsed by achieving ISO:9001 accreditation
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| 2006 |
Forge Europa’s ongoing investment in personnel training and development is recognised by achieving Investor In People accreditation
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| 2008 |
Peter Barton, Managing Director is named International Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors
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| 2009 |
Forge Europa wins Queens Award for Enterprise for Outstanding Innovation
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| 2010 |
Further investment in testing with the goniophotometer offering customers one of the best test facilities in Europe. Forge Europa's range of high performance energy saving LED lamps launched globally. Forge Europa wins the CN Group's Innovation in Energy Award.
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| 2011 |
Investment in a new state-of-the-art purpose built Lighting Solutions Centre, 100% illuminated by LEDs. Additional new warehouse facility opened to accommodate increasing demand for Forge Europa’s projects. One new project completed every 4.5 hours. Peter Barton wins Cumbria Director and North West Director of the Year from the IOD.
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| 2012 |
CBEN Excellence award winners, and IS0 14001 accreditation achieved for our commitment to environmental policy. Lighting Solutions Centre officially opened by HRH the Duke of York.
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| 2013... |
Manchester United are in the running for another league title under Fergie. We’re still waiting for success at Wimbledon. Madonna continues to rock the charts, petrol has snowballed to £1.39+ per litre, and the world is gripped by Bieber fever. Forge Europa celebrates its 20th birthday and is entering a new and exciting chapter of growth ...
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