Artcraft Fluorescent Lighting Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Lighting manufacturing |
| Founded | 1940 |
| Founder | Louis Levy, Max Wittenberg |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York , United States |
Area served | Eastern United States |
Key people | Louis J. Levy (president and co-owner), Max Wittenberg (co-founder, until ~1953), Harry Handler (leader from ~1953) |
| Products | Fluorescent lighting fixtures, slimline ballasts |
Number of employees | 200 (1950s) |
Artcraft Fluorescent Lighting Corporation was a leading American producer of fluorescent lighting fixtures, established in 1940 by businessmen Louis Levy and Max Wittenberg. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the firm concentrated on large-scale manufacturing of fluorescent striplight fixtures and slimline ballasts, becoming an early innovator shortly after the fluorescent lamp's introduction at the 1939 World's Fair.
Primarily serving the eastern U.S. market, Artcraft delivered advanced lighting solutions to commercial and professional clients, emphasizing benefits such as reduced energy consumption, enhanced efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. During the late 1940s through the 1950s, the company reached annual sales near $2 million (equivalent to about $50 million in 2008), supported by a staff of roughly 200 workers.
Among the top three American manufacturers of fluorescent fixtures—alongside Lightolier (a division of Royal Philips Electronics) and Globe Lighting Products—Artcraft maintained a significant regional footprint with offices in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Around 1953, leadership shifted from co-founder Max Wittenberg to Harry Handler, while Louis J. Levy continued as president and co-owner.
Although Artcraft played a key role in early industry advancements and exhibited strong financial results, it was sold in 1968 and eventually ceased operations in 2002. The company’s strategy centered on advancing lighting technology and expanding its share within the commercial lighting market during a period marked by rapid sector growth.