Why 'Made in Iowa' Matters for Innovative Lighting's Custom LED Solutions

By Harry Aller, Innovative Lighting President

Since its founding in 1993 by Jerry Handsaker, Innovative Lighting has grown from a humble beginning into a powerhouse of innovation in the LED lighting industry. Based in the heart of Iowa, our company has expanded from a single product to thousands, each tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers. Innovative Lighting’s primary product lines—Marine, Truck & Trailer, EcoBrite and GENISYS—are a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.

One of the critical factors driving our success is the “Made in Iowa” label. This designation is more than just a point of pride—it’s a mark of customization, quality, product knowledge, reliable delivery times, and the steadfast Midwest ethic. Here is why “Made in Iowa” is so important for Innovative Lighting and our customers.

Why "Made in Iowa" Matters

Customization

At Innovative Lighting, our ability to pivot and create custom solutions sets us apart. Our local talent and in-house capabilities enable us to adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs. In an example of local operational excellence, Innovative recently had a large OEM Customer request a specific RGBW, 5-wire product. Since we have a local team, we could start ideating immediately. Within three weeks, Innovative delivered a high-quality prototype and began production just two weeks after approval. In contrast, most companies relying on offshore manufacturing and engineering may take three to four months to achieve the same results.

Quality

Our commitment to high-quality, innovative products is strengthened by our control over the entire production process. Local oversight allows for detailed quality checks, ensuring top-notch products that our customers can rely on. Furthermore, consumers increasingly value domestically made products for their reliability, quality, and environmental benefits. By reducing transportation needs, we also lower our carbon footprint, making our products more environmentally friendly.

Turnaround Times

Localized operations enable us to prototype and produce quickly, minimizing risks from global events or geopolitical tensions. Our independence from international supply chains ensures continuity and reduces vulnerability to disruptions. During the global supply chain crises of 2021-2022, many competitors struggled with delivery delays, quality issues, and increased costs. While we were not immune to some raw materials challenges, our in-house manufacturing control allowed us to maintain high standards and on-time delivery rates, even for high-volume products during the height of supply chain instability.

Today, many companies are celebrating their return to US operations, but we are proud that we never left. Reshoring is a hot topic because the pandemic supply chain challenges forced companies to reckon with what we already knew from our own tests using international manufacturers: the more you outsource your operations, the less control you have.

By maintaining our operations in Iowa, we have always had the advantage of direct oversight and control, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards and are delivered promptly. This consistency and reliability sets Innovative Lighting apart in the industry.

Product Knowledge

Our in-house team possesses a deep understanding of each product component and design. This expertise enhances our customer service, as knowledgeable staff can directly communicate with designers, engineers, and customers. We cater to specific needs, such as mounting requirements, light color, material color, and voltage range, ensuring that our products meet precise specifications.

Midwest Work Ethic

Our company culture emphasizes hard work, reliability, and integrity—values deeply rooted in the Midwest work ethic. Time and again our customers share that they are impressed by our excellent service, quick communications, and quality of our products. The persistence and innovation that characterize our founder’s farming roots are mirrored in our approach to LED lighting. Our team members, many with long tenures at Innovative Lighting, embody these values, contributing to our low turnover rate and consistent service excellence to our customers.

In Conclusion

The “Made in Iowa” label is not just a slogan—it’s a crucial aspect of Innovative Lighting’s success. Our ability to customize, maintain high quality, ensure quick turnaround times, and provide in-depth product knowledge, all backed by a robust Midwest work ethic, sets us apart from competitors and is only possible due to our commitment to domestic manufacturing. It’s one factor that has contributed to Our recognition by Inc. 500 four times underscores our commitment to excellence.

We encourage readers to value and support locally made products. For custom lighting solutions, contact Innovative Lighting through our website or call our customer service at 515-388-1011. As a company rooted in Iowa, we still pick up the phone and provide the personalized service you deserve.