(METAIRIE, La) -- A Metairie-based manufacturer was awarded a 2021 Louisiana Lantern Award Wednesday evening. Oracle Lighting, which creates LED solutions for consumers in the automotive, marine, and powersports markets, received the prestigious award during a special reception at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The company is one of eight manufacturers across the state to be recognized this year.
The Louisiana Lantern Awards provide an opportunity for the State to celebrate manufacturers from across Louisiana. The winning company for each district displays a contribution to the Louisiana economy and their local business communities through employee growth, increased revenue, facility expansion and community engagement. The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) nominated Oracle Lighting for the special distinction this year. The lighting manufacturer was selected from the Greater New Orleans region to receive the coveted award.
Born from humble beginnings in a Metairie garage, Oracle Lighting has grown into a global leader in the automotive lighting industry. The company was founded by Justin Hartenstein when he was just 18 years old. Now he and his wife, Tiffanie, run the business together, innovating in both product offerings and operations. Over the last 22 years, the manufacturer has experiences growth in both employment and sales annually. Today, Oracle employs more than 30 full-time team members and has made nine appearances on the Inc Magazine “Inc. 500/5000 List”, which highlights the nation’s fastest growing small businesses. Oracle plans to expand the company’s headquarters to double the size of the main facility in 2022, which will allow Oracle to create more jobs and significantly increase their production capabilities.
Oracle Lighting has served as a symbol of change and renewal in the Fat City area. The company located to Fat City in 2010, rehabilitating a 10,000 square foot building that would serve as the company’s headquarters. Since then, Oracle has purchased and renovated two additional properties in Fat City. The major improvements to these sites helped spur additional growth and investment in the area.
Not only has Oracle invented thousands of different products for the automobile lighting industry, but the team displayed adaptability and ingenuity in the face of a global pandemic. When COVID-19 threatened to shut down operations for many manufacturers, Oracle Lighting chose to focus its efforts on designing and developing a face mask that utilizes UV-lighting technology to eradicate bacteria and viruses. The company began manufacturing the Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator, or A.I.R. Device, in 2022.
In November of 2021 Oracle also received an honor from their global trade organization SEMA, when they were named the 2021 Manufacturer of the Year. The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award recipient meets rigorous criteria, including demonstrating outstanding business practices, establishing innovative processes and products, investing in the well-being of employees, exhibiting a high degree of corporate responsibility, protecting company brand equity, and providing exceptional customer service to customers.
Oracle Lighting has won many local, national, and international awards for their work. The company gives back whenever possible. As an example, Oracle helped to donate thousands of PPEs to first responders and health care workers at the start of the pandemic. The founders also serve a number of local charitable organizations.
"We are honored and humbled to receive the 2021 Lantern Award,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO of Oracle Lighting. “I truly appreciate the efforts JEDCO and all of the Jefferson Parish officials who nominated our company for this very special recognition. This acknowledgement would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing team working behind the scenes. I also want to express our appreciation to the Louisiana Economic Development Foundation for their continued support."
“Oracle Lighting exemplifies all of the qualities of a successful manufacturer,” said Jerry Bologna, JEDCO President & CEO. “Oracle’s mission directly aligns with JEDCO’s vision for the future of Jefferson Parish, from their focus on innovation to their genuine support of and investment in Fat City. Their work elevates our manufacturing industry and our community. We are proud Oracle Lighting calls Jefferson Parish home.”
“Congratulations to Oracle Lighting for winning this prestigious award,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “This local automotive lighting manufacturer is unique, innovative, and socially responsible. Their roots run deep in Jefferson Parish, and as a result, the company continues to invest in the area through job creation, expansion, product growth, and charitable giving. We are so proud of Oracle Lighting’s continued progress. They are a global force being driven from right here in Jefferson Parish.”
“I would like to congratulate Oracle Lighting on their recognition and to thank them for their cultivation and support of community advancement over the years,” said Jefferson Parish District 5 Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken. “Fat City has long been considered an area of tremendous economic potential. Oracle Lighting’s founders have taken a special interest in the area, choosing to give their time and talents to building up and improving Fat City. As a manufacturer, Oracle Lighting has achieved many accomplishments and notoriety since opening in 1999. This wonderful success story is amplified by the manufacturer’s connection and commitment to community progress and growth. They are a valuable asset to Jefferson Parish and we commend their work.”
Founder and Director of Innovation Justin Hartenstein, and CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein, accepted the award on behalf of Oracle Lighting Wednesday. LED presented them with a custom-built, handcrafted copper lantern donated by Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights of New Orleans. The lanterns have become internationally recognized trademark of New Orleans. The company is the oldest and largest copper gas lantern manufacturer in the U.S. and the second oldest in the world.
More than 330 Louisiana manufacturing businesses have received Lantern Awards since the program’s inception. LED’s program partners include the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association and the Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts. For more information about the Louisiana Lantern Award, click here.
