Metrolight launches next-gen HID lighting in Israel

Netanya, Israel-based Metrolight officially launched its newest version of energy-saving light technology today in the Israeli market, according to Globes.

The Herzliya-based launch, which included government and private sector officials, featured the next generation of the company’s smart electronic ballasts for high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems, which the company said have been tested in Israel and worldwide.

Metrolight intends to now bump up its sales and marketing efforts in Israel. It also plans to host similar launch events in European countries and the United States.

The company makes a variety of HID products for different wattage levels that it says are ideal for indoor and outdoor environments, such as retail stores, hotels, display and street lighting.

The lights are embedded with software the company says helps to improve efficiency and reliability of the ballast. Metrolight says its technology can reduce energy consumption by 40 percent to 65 percent.

The company has deployed more than 500,000 units worldwide since 2001, including 30,000 in Israel. About 24 percent of Israel’s lighting is already HID-based, which is higher than the worldwide percentage of 22 percent, according to Metrolight. The company also has offices in Brentwood, Tenn.

In June, Metrolight raised raised $3 million in a fourth venture capital round, bringing its total to $23 million from major shareholders including Virgin Green Fund, Gemini Israel Funds and Israel Cleantech Ventures (see VantagePoint triple-dips in cleantech and Cellulose gets VeraSunny).

The funding was expected to help the company reach profitability in 2010 and break even by the end of 2009. Some of Metrolight's customers include Acuity Brands Lighting and Philips Electronics; Philips also acquired a stake in Metrolight in 2000.

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