AFX Inc. announced this week it is celebrating its 80th year of designing and manufacturing lighting fixtures for residential and commercial applications.
Since the inception of fluorescent lighting technology in 1938, AFX has been promoting energy efficiency with its portfolio of products. A family run business, AFX was founded by William Rusnak. He operated a furniture store but recognized the energy saving potential of fluorescent lamps and decided to establish (American Fluorescent) AFX as a premier manufacturer of fluorescent light fixtures.
In 1940, Jerry Solomon joined American Fluorescent. He became President in 1959 and built up American Fluorescent’s share in the residential lighting fixtures market. Over the years, Solomon was instrumental in developing and introducing a decorative line of fluorescent fixtures, proving that fluorescents were not just for commercial and industrial applications, but could be used for energy savings in many areas of the home.
In 1973, Jerry Solomon’s son Bill Solomon joined American Fluorescent. He took over the business in 1982 as President and CEO. During his tenure, the company has greatly expanded its line to offer choices in Task, Utility, Decorative and Industrial lighting.
“At AFX we continually strive to bring relevant and innovative lighting solutions to our customers,” says Bill Solomon, “and to accomplish this, we rely heavily on relationships with all our stakeholders including customers, employees and supplier partners. These relationships are founded on trust and mutual respect and are the primary reason for our success and longevity.”
In 2012 the company changed its name from American Fluorescent to AFX, recognizing the impending adoption of LED technology. Most recently the company launched “Stonegate by AFX”, their custom, made-to-order decorative product line featuring product families by renowned designers from across the country. Today, AFX’s product portfolio includes solutions from indoor to outdoor, designer to functional – for commercial, hospitality, healthcare and residential settings.
