Dazor product designs are driven by workers who need good illumination or magnification.

In June, Dazor Manufacturing proved it was once again on the leading edge of illumination technology when it introduced the LED Task Light, a high-power lamp geared to industrial users. The product, developed with Heatron and Philips Lighting, “is the first high power white LED task light of its kind on the market,” says President Stan Hogrebe.

The product was introduced during the JCK Show in Las Vegas, the largest annual jewelry show in the nation. The company sold more than 100 units at the show, he says, and plans to reach other markets by showcasing the unique benefits of LED lighting technology, including energy savings and environmental friendliness. Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lights do not emit infrared heat or ultraviolet wavelengths, which can impact the grading of colored gemstones and diamonds, and be a concern to the patient of a dermatologist or other health practitioner. Also, the LED Task Light consumes six watts of power and lasts 50,000 hours, while an average incandescent light bulb consumes sixty watts of power and lasts just 1,000 hours.

Unlike a fluorescent bulb, LED emitters do not contain any mercury or gas, and there are no disposal concerns, he adds.

“A couple years ago, LED technology was not advanced to the point where it could be effectively used for sources of white illumination,” Hogrebe says. “We’re working very aggressively in providing this new illumination technology for multiple global niche markets.”

Dazor Manufacturing, based in St. Louis, produces lamps, magnifiers and other accessories, such as workspace mounting solutions for its lights, floor stands and light bulbs. The company also manufactures a line of high power ergonomic video microscopes under the brand name SpeckFINDER. Its products are designed for individuals in a wide array of industries or professions that require a dependable light source or quality magnification, such as a forensics lab technician, industrial assembler, jewelry or watch maker, electrolysist, school nurse, machine operator, office worker, quality inspector, hobbyist, and even an individual with low vision needs.

Driven By Users
Dazor works to understand the tasks performed by its end-users, Hogrebe says. “We not only work with the distributor and learn through the distributor’s eyes, we go into the field and work with the end-user,” he explains. “Our product designs are strongly driven by our end-user’s needs.

“Additionally, we stay on top of illumination technology,” he asserts. “We [will] continue to rapidly develop task lighting tools using LED technology and high-output fluorescent technology.”

Low Maintenance
Dazor products are designed for professionals who need good illumination and/or magnification in the workplace.

For example, “the color of lighting is important in forensics, where [workers] need to see blood and certain trace evidence,” he notes. “‘Dazors’ – as they are called by many customers – are also reliable.

“They are vision enhancement tools that will be used in the workplace year after year without needing maintenance.”

International Competition
The company’s biggest competitors are based overseas, but Hogrebe says he is not worried because he believes customers prefer high-quality luminaires and magnifiers, not necessarily the cheapest products. “We compete on quality,” he says. “People are wanting to stick with products that are reliable tools in the workplace. The end-user who uses this tool day-in and day-out wants no hassle and less maintenance.”

In fact, 20 percent of the company’s revenues are from clients in countries such as South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Europe. Hogrebe says he wants that revenue source to grow to 40 percent. “Until recently, we used an export management company to work with distribution companies outside of the U.S.,” he explains. “Recently, we have taken the relationship directly to distributors. This strategy is going to result in higher service, on-time deliveries and overall better communication.”