Metrolight Ltd., a leading provider of electronic ballast solutions for energy efficient lighting, announced today [June 4, 2009] that it has raised $3 million and appointed Zvi Segal as a Chief Executive Officer.
Zvi Segal, a veteran of Orbotech Group, Applied Materials and Teledata Communication, will lead Metrolight’s growth phase driven by what Metrolight says is strong demand for its energy saving products and services from commercial, industrial and municipal customers across Europe and the US. Metrolight’s High Intensity Discharge (HID) eBallast reduces up to 60% of energy consumed and doubles the life of a lamp.
Existing Metrolight shareholders including Virgin Green Fund, Gemini Israel Funds, Israel Cleantech Ventures led the $3 million financing round. MetroLight raised $9 million from these investors in August 2007.
Metrolight was founded in 1996 and is based in Netanya, Israel. Metrolight’s U.S. headquarters are in Franklin, Tennessee.
According to Metrolight’s Chairman Yoav Leeran, “The appointment of Zvi Segal is the next logical step in building a worldwide leader in energy efficient lighting. We expect Zvi will continue building a strong business with the best portfolio of high power commercial, industrial and municipal lighting solutions. The new money raised underlines the strong belief of the founders and the investors in the product, unique technology, market potential and the management team of Metrolight.”
Zvi Segal adds, “I’m looking forward to working with Metrolight’s highly skilled and knowledgeable team. The commercial and industrial lighting market is set for significant growth given the energy savings offered by high power electronic ballasts. Metrolight, based on its patented technology, is well positioned to be the leader of the movement to modern energy efficient lighting systems.”
“High power lighting is probably one of the very few utilities that has not yet benefited from a transition to electronic technology. Zvi Segal will lead the company to build on its success in the market in offering products and associated services that substantially reduce energy consumption for the heavy lighting users,” states Shai Weiss, Partner at Virgin Green Fund.
This article first appeared on Jonathan’s blog, CleanTech Israel.
