Fall River , MA - Due to energy code guidelines that significantly reduce the amount of ambient light in offices, the visual needs of an aging workforce are not being adequately met. In response, Lightolier, the leader in interior lighting for over a century, has introduced Task Lighting. The new line includes adjustable arm task lights, undercabinet lighting and portable ambient lighting fixtures. Flexibility is achieved with table base, floor stand, panel, and binder bin mounting options. Adjustable arm task lights are spring-balanced and feature parallel motion, keeping lamp heads at the optimum angle as the arm positions are changed. These lights are also broadly customizable in terms of color, shape and texture, offering users an array of options that suit their stylistic preferences as well as their lighting requirements.

Integrating task lighting into a space can significantly increase comfort and productivity as well as reduce the risk of absenteeism and medical claims related to ailments such as eyestrain and fatigue. "Many offices employ a staff that is quite diverse in terms of age and the types of tasks to which each person is assigned, but offer only one static light level at the ceiling," says Larry May, General Manager of Lightolier's Task Lighting division . "An office with only one light level is going to seriously impair older workers, who require more light than younger employees." According to the National Eye Institute, individuals need progressively more light as they age (approximately twice as much light at age 40 as at age 20) - even without exhibiting any specific eye problems.

Strict building and energy codes such as ASHRAE and Title 24, the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED ® program and the rising cost of energy are all contributing to rapidly declining ambient light levels in the workplace today. "Utilizing task lighting not only provides light exactly where it is needed, but its planned use can be immensely helpful to designers when they must account for lower energy consumption in a new building," says Russell Hall, Vice President of Channel Marketing for Lightolier.

Because of its portability, task lighting is categorized as office furniture for tax purposes and qualifies for deductions that may include up to 50% of the installed cost in the first year. Additionally, task lighting is modular by definition: if the furniture and arrangement of a space changes, task or portable ambient lighting can be used to light an area that previously wasn't a focal point and therefore doesn't receive sufficient light from hardwired or natural sources.

Lightolier's Task Lighting fixtures incorporate energy saving 13 Watt compact fluorescent, LED or T5HO lamps. Halogen lamps are also an option. Adjustable arm task lights are available with a variety of head shapes and interchangeable color shades that custom-vary the texture, color and intensity of light output according to user preference. "Incorporating task lighting gives employees better control over their environment," says Mr. May. "And, unlike many available desk lights on the market, our fixtures feature the clean geometric styling and smooth action expected from Lightolier."

About Lightolier
Headquartered in Fall River , Massachusetts , Lightolier, for over 100 years, has provided creative lighting solutions for commercial, institutional, and residential lighting needs. Lightolier is a Division of The Genlyte Group Incorporated, (NASDAQ: GLYT). The Genlyte Group Incorporated is the largest lighting company in North America dedicated exclusively to the design, manufacture and marketing of lighting fixtures and controls. The Genlyte Group Incorporated brands include Bronzelite, Capri , Canlyte, Chloride Systems, Crescent, Day-Brite, Entertainment Technology, ExceLine, Forecast, Gardco, Hadco, Ledalite, Lightolier, Lightolier Controls, Lumec, Lumec-Schreder, Omega, Shakespeare Composite Structures, Stonco, Thomas Lighting, Translite Sonoma, USS Manufacturing, Vari-Lite and Wide-Lite.