Optronics International, a manufacturer and supplier of heavy duty LED vehicle lighting, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Texas-based USA Harness, Inc. USA Harness serves the global transportation industry with its USA-PLUS Sealed Modular Wiring Harness System and its patented USA-PLUS Modular Connection System. With its O-ring-style seal and secondary lock pin design, the USA-PLUS Modular Connection System has been tested and proven to perform at three times the industry standard, according to the company.
The acquisition makes Optronics the newest of only a few manufacturers capable of fully serving the light, medium, and heavy duty commercial vehicle industry with both lighting and harness technologies, according to the company.
“In less than a decade, Optronics has dramatically changed the competitive landscape in commercial vehicle lighting with its focus on technological innovation, broader options, and greater value, and we’re about to do the same with harnesses,” said Brett Johnson, president and CEO, Optronics International. “OEMs have become ever more adamant in encouraging us to enter the harness side of the business, because the competition in that segment has remained so limited.”
Coupled with its diverse international background and experience, the newly acquired engineering and manufacturing capabilities of USA Harness will position Optronics to hit the ground running in North America, while fully leveraging its synergies as a global lighting and harness supplier.
“We have watched Optronics’ exponential growth over the years and have engineered more and more harness systems for use exclusively with their lighting,” said Debby Thompson, interim president of USA Harness. “Though we’ll continue to produce harness systems that interface with all major lighting manufacturers, we’re excited to now be able to offer a fully integrated modular power delivery and lighting solution.”
Optronics is committed to its global manufacturing culture, and according to company officials, the acquisition of a U.S.-based harness manufacturing capability gives the company even greater supply chain latitude. “Just like the OEMs we serve, we’re going to manufacture harness and lighting systems wherever it makes the most sense,” said Johnson.
“Miller Industries is a publicly traded global manufacturer with facilities in the United States, England, and France,” said Will Miller, president and Co-CEO, Miller Industries. “Optronics already has lighting and harness systems on some of the world’s most respected commercial vehicle brands, and we see this move as a natural progression for a global tier-one supplier.”
With their blended experience, both companies will begin selling integrated modular lighting and harness systems. Targeted manufacturers include those making heavy duty dry van, reefer, tank, car haul, and flatbed trailers, as well as those making light to medium duty trailers. Heavy duty truck and body manufacturers will also be a focus, as will heavy duty off-highway vehicles, armored couriers, and other specialized vocational equipment manufacturers.
