Cree Inc., Durham, N.C., has formed a long-term strategic agreement with the Austrian Zumtobel Group, a global market leader in the professional lighting industry, to supply LED downlights to the European market. The minimum first-year sales target is 50,000 LR6-230V luminaires.
The products under the agreement are European versions of Cree recessed downlights. They will be sold exclusively under two brands of the Zumtobel Group — Thorn and Zumtobel — in more than 40 countries throughout Europe and selected export markets.
"Cree provides us with a unique source of technological knowledge and leadership," said Andreas Ludwig, Zumtobel Group CEO. "By integrating this innovative LED luminaire into our portfolio, we are securing a significant technological edge."
"The Zumtobel Group is a forward-thinking, market-leading lighting company that understands that LED technology is changing the industry, and they want to help lead the change," said Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. "This strategic agreement is targeted to accelerate the LED lighting revolution across Europe by providing customers with energy-efficient and long-lasting products that save energy, save money and help protect the environment."