TIR Systems was founded in September 1982 to commercialize prism light guide technology, invented at the University of British Columbia and operating on the principle of Total Internal Reflection, hence the name TIR Systems Ltd.Initially TIR put its energy into engineering prism light guide technology into practical applications under the product name Light Pipe until in the spring of 2000, TIR made a key strategic decision: to focus on the development of LED based lighting. Today TIR is focused on its strategy of developing the enabling technologies for Solid State Lighting (SSL), and the company has a strong portfolio of SSL solutions, having just launched six new products - five architectural lighting solutions and a channel letter option to add to the corporate identity portfolio. The components that are being integrated into TIR's SSL luminaries and systems are unique to the emerging SSL market, and are based on TIR's extensive expertise in technology and product development. The company's overall systems strength in integration capability, is enabling the creation of a new wave of Solid State Lighting products which is paving the way to the everyday use of Solid State Lighting.TIR currently develops products for two main market segments:Corporate Identity:TIR works with sign companies and corporate customers to deliver lighting solutions for their unique imaging requirements. Solid State Lighting has a number of inherent benefits making it a compelling alternative to conventional lighting such as neon. It has a lower energy consumption, lower maintenance, improved visual impact and image consistency, and typical return on investment is 24 months or less.Commercial and Industrial, including Architecture: Based on its heritage product, Light Pipe, and more recently with the development and launch of it's Destiny Series of Solid State architectural luminaires, TIR is providing lighting solutions for architectural forms and functions as well as for a variety of applications where conventional lighting runs into performance and maintenance challenges. From tunnel, bridge and swimming pool lighting, through special environment (e.g. clean rooms) and backlighting to architectural form lighting, TIR has delivered a number of prestigious projects around the world.TIR reported revenues of CDN$22.4million in 2003 and has over 140 employees, with offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Tampa and Milan. The company TIR was recently awarded the Emerging Company of the Year Award by the BCTIA (British Columbia Technology Industries Association) and was named 6th overall for five year return and 15th overall for one year return by Canadian Business Magazine. TIR is currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: TIR).
