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Beta Manufacturing was established in 1942 by the current President's grandfather. The original factory was based in Bradford, a small textile town in the North of England. During WWII the company manufactured oil rings for transmission equipment and received Government orders for other components and lighting related equipment to assist in the war effort. 

Immediately after World War II, the name of the company was changed to 'Beta Lighting Ltd'.

In the early years the company produced domestic as well as commercial lighting depending on demand. The company's reputation steadily grew amongst engineers and architects and this proved to be the foundation on which the company's later success was built. 

By the sixties, Beta Lighting was manufacturing luminaires almost exclusively for the commercial and architectural lighting market.

During the seventies the company diversified further into track, spot and special effects lighting for the then booming disco market. At this time point Beta exhibited in New York and thus it commenced its entrance into the North American market.

In 1980 new phosphors allowed miniaturization of the fluorescent lamp. Philips was the first lamp manufacturer to launch a compact, narrow-tube fluorescent lamp, named the SL. Beta saw the potential for this new technology and quickly introduced to market a range of luminaires for this innovative lamp. Most notably was the "SL reflector", a simple snap-on reflector specifically for the SL lamp. The reflector was patented in 1981 and the product became an approved component by Philips Lighting. Also in 1981 Thorn EMI introduced the 2D lamp, again Beta was one of the first manufactures to produce a range of luminaires for this highly successful lamp. The company grew considerably with the acceptance of compact fluorescent lamps and the importance of energy saving technologies.

In the early nineties, with increasing energy costs, the low energy lighting market started to expand in North America. At that stage a decision was made to set up a facility in North America and 'Beta-Calco Inc' was born. Toronto, Canada was the chosen location because of its excellent geographic location and skilled labour force.

Initially started as an assembly and distribution operation, due to exponential growth Beta-Calco soon expanded to a full design and manufacturing facility and today the company has expanded its operation by acquiring a plastics division as well as a metal fabrication and spinning division. These acquisitions have provided customers with product flexibility and reduced lead times. In June 2004 Beta-Calco took over what was originally its own parent company Beta Lighting Ltd.

Even with well over 60 years of history, luminaire design and manufacturing still remains a constant challenge. Today, the realization of a concept for an effective lighting solution can become a significant and complex issue. Advancements in CAD, as well as new materials, components and light sources have allowed us to develop a range of innovative products that are second to none in the lighting industry. 

As a result of our history, experience and representation throughout the UK, Canada, USA, Mexico as well as South America, we are in the unique position of being able to provide our clients with high quality products supported with unparalleled customer service.