American Lighting Fixture Corp.
dba Wilshire Manufacturing Co.
645 Myles Standish Blvd.
Taunton, MA 02780
Wilshire Co. was established in 1959 by William Segill as a retail lighting showroom.
Since 1978, Wilshire has positioned itself as a leader in the manufacture, as well as the design and display of decorative lighting fixtures.
Wilshire was established in 1959 by William & Shirley Segill when they purchased the American Lighting Fixture Corporation located in Boston, MA. The company existed for seven years and flourished into one of the largest lighting showrooms in the Boston area, until 1966 when a major fire destroyed the store. Bill began to re-think his strategy and decided to re-open his business, he began to import lighting fixtures for resale to lighting showrooms. This product mix continued to be successful throughout the next decade. In 1978 however, due to the increase in importing prices, Bill decided to manufacture his own fixtures in the U.S. where he could control his costs.
As a result, he opened a 5,000-sq. ft. facility in Watertown, MA. Wilshire soon grew beyond all expectations and moved to a 20,000-sq. ft. location in Arlington, MA where the growth spurt continued. Shortly after the Arlington move, Wilshire was again moved to its current 200,000-sq. ft facility in Taunton, MA.
This expansion in business allowed Wilshire to take a permanent showroom in Dallas at the site of the semi-annual National Association of Lighting Retailers Show, which still remains the industry's most important showcase for new products.
Unique Manufacturing Capabilities: Changing market factors incentivized Wilshire to expand their manufacturing capabilities to include the manufacture of all metal components, stamping, polishing, plating and painting. This fully integrated process makes Wilshire a true Master Craftsmen in the manufacture of customized fixtures for both the commercial and residential markets.
Recently, Wilshire procured a PCR Laser Machine designed to cut intricate shaped metals used in the design of both decorative and crystal lighting fixtures. This new state-of-the-art technology enables Wilshire to transfer Auto-Cad files to the laser allowing for extreme accuracy. The ease in which the information is transferred, enhances engineering capabilities making the design possibilities virtually unlimited. In addition, this technology also enables Wilshire to manufacture products that could never be made before.
The manufacturing of lighting fixtures is a lengthy process that produces many potential hazards along the way. No other company in the industry addresses these hazards as effectively as Wilshire. For example, Wilshire has constructed an air treatment facility that recirculates dust filled air emitted by the metal polishing process. This treatment facility allows workers to work in comfort without having to wear masks. Compliant coatings are also used during the painting process to improve air quality.
In addition, Wilshire has also invested approximately $1.5M to create a closed-loop plating operation not allowing any chemical discharges by the plating tanks. This closed-loop system is the only one of its kind in the lighting industry and may act to establish the standard in the future.
Through continuing technological advances, Wilshire is dedicated to leading the way in the design, development and manufacture of decorative lighting fixtures.
8/15/98 - WILSHIRE PURCHASES A PRC LASER SYSTEM TO REVOLUTIONIZE THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
3/15/98 - THE ONLY LIGHTING COMPANY TO OFFER A MAINTENANCE, CLEANING & REPLACEMENT SOLUTION FOR HARD-TO-REACH CHANDELIERS.
