Discover Germany | Special Theme | Light & Design
Subject lamp ‘Safari‘. Photo: © Art-n-Photo, Amelie Jehmlich
Subject lamp ‘Maritime’. Photo: © Art-n-Photo, Amelie Jehmlich
Light up your life Whether you are looking for modern shapes or historical motif lights – lighting manufacturer weigla from the heart of Germany’s Ore Mountains region has something in store for every taste. Always on the agenda is combining traditional beauty with modern practicability and future sustainability. TEXT: SONJA IRANI
In 2002, owner and founder Günter Gläser had the idea to re-create the wooden candle arches traditionally handcrafted in the German Ore Mountains and give them a modern twist. “This business was, however, limited to the Christmas season,” says Jane Kaden, head of marketing and sales. Thus, Mr. Gläser and son-in-law Mr. Weinhold developed a completely new lighting product, which could be used throughout the year. In 2013, the so-called ‘weigla’ lights were launched with the brand name being a combination of the names Weinhold ‘Wei’ and Gläser ‘gla’. “What made these lights so special was the combination of fluorescent Perspex and wood, which nobody had even tried before,” explains Kaden. “Ensuring maximum sustainability was very important to us: Fluorescent Perspex is a special kind of acrylic glass that is free from hazardous substances such as 18 | Issue 43 | October 2016
heavy metals, asbestos or formaldehyde. Furthermore, Perspex offers a range of other popular benefits such as excellent light transparency, half the weight of traditional glass, a breaking resistance that is 11 times higher than glass and a 100 per cent ability to recycle its components.” The combination of fluorescent Perspex and wood remains the company’s trademark. “We launch about five new product ideas per year,” continues Kaden. “Our LED motif lights and LED candle arches are real eye catchers, whether they decorate your private home, the office or an exhibition room. Moreover, we also handcraft individual and unique pieces, for example for B2B customers or companies that are looking for a special promotional gift.” Still an integral part of the business, the seasonal Christmas candle arches have not been forgotten. Thanks to a modern
makeover, they now shine brighter than ever. Moreover, weigla currently delivers to distributors and consumers across Europe, but worldwide distribution and an online shop in English are in the making. “Our English website will be launched in 2017 at the latest,” concludes Kaden. www.weigla.com
The company. Photo: © Oestreich, Lengefeld
LED light arch ‘Santa Claus’. Photo: © Art-n-Photo, Amelie Jehmlich