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Featured Business Review: Fluorolite Plastics – Keeping the Light On
  by:  |  Aug 3, 2010
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Last updated on September 8th, 2017 at 05:40 pm

Fluorolite PlasticsAttempting to do one’s tasks successfully in a dimly-lit room can be problematic. Studies have shown that poor lighting causes low productivity, an increase in error rates, headaches, and eyestrain, among many other difficulties. For the most part, Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb and, much later, the development of the fluorescent lamp have made illuminating rooms possible. Unfortunately, light fixtures aren’t infallible and their plastic covers will sometimes break. This usually means having to buy an entirely new fixture and having it installed by an electrician. Or, one could take the more cost-effective solution: purchasing a replacement lens from Fluorolite Plastics. Seeing the opportunity in offering replacement plastic covers instead of replacing light fixtures, Greg and Diane Pink established Fluorolite Plastics in George Pink’s (Greg’s father) basement back in 1977. They started the company thinking that replacement lens covers were going to be substantially more affordable than getting new lighting fixtures. The Pinks believed that saving customers money always builds loyalty. They were right. From literally starting at the bottom (of George’s house), Fluorolite Plastics has now grown into a 20,000 square foot factory in Framingham, Massachusetts. Fluorolite Plastics’ growth can probably be attributed to the company’s high regard for excellence. As a product, plastic lenses can be challenging to produce because they require accurate measurements, are fragile to ship, and there are many design options available. To compensate for these, Fluorolite Plastics invented and copyrighted a tracing system that ensures quick and easy measurements. The company also boasts of perfected lens molding processes and packaging systems which is why they can guarantee 100% satisfaction on everything that leaves their factory. Fluorolite Plastics is ahead of the pack with their high-quality products made of commercial grade material, easily besting most OEM-produced fixtures which are very thin and break in transit. The family-run company (aside from the founders Greg and Diane, Jason Pink also joined Fluorolite Plastics later on in 2007 and now serves as COO) also utilizes innovative molding techniques as well as forms custom plastic lenses for virtually all lighting fixtures. Such is the company’s versatility that their product range includes: prismatic sheet, tube guards, vaportights, circlines, scenic panels, street light lenses and more. Fluorolite is so attuned to the uses of their product that they are also able to make custom forms that meet their clients’ requirements. COO Jason Pink relates a story about a customer who needed custom light covers in their school colors for a graduation ceremony. “The challenge was that the ceremony was the next day!” he says. Of course, since Fluorolite Plastics knew what they were capable of, they were able to come up with the product and install them before the ceremony even started. Not only were the clients happy but, the Fluorolite folks were also glad to provide the service. That sort of commitment proves that Fluorolite takes their slogan, “We’ve got you covered” very seriously. Another thing that Fluorolite gives great importance to is the environment and they have taken initiatives towards sustainability. Before the company’s replacement lens covers came along, it was usual to throw out entire light fixtures once the lens covers broke. After all, one would have to buy a completely new one even if it still worked. Fluorolite products allow people to just update the lens so everything will still be as good as new. This means less waste sent to our landfills. Additionally, Fluorolite recycles all the plastic scraps generated in the facility. These are ground up and used to make other plastic products. They also advocate fluorescent bulb recycling through an organization called Easy Pak. Fluorolite also has begun using almost exclusively environmentally-friendly paper and ink for their print marketing endeavours. For two years now, Fluorolite has ordered brochures, postcards, banners, rack cards, flyers, and business cards from UPrinting. Jason says that aside from the competitive pricing, user-friendly site, excellent-quality prints and customer service, he loves the fact that “the latest matte paper that UPrinting uses is amazing, environmentally friendly, and everyone comments on how cool it feels.” UPrinting’s soy ink and the paper stock used for certain products agrees with Fluorolite’s steps towards a moreenvironmentally-sound company. It’s just as well since having a “greener” business (green is even one of the company’s colors and they keep a green tree frog as the office mascot) is one other way for the Pinks and the rest of the Fluorolite Plastics team bring light to our homes, offices, and especially to our environment.


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