USW Boost Launch of American-made Sylvania Super Saver Halogen Light Bulbs

New Sylvania Super Saver halogen light bulbs made with glass from a USW-represented plant in Wellsboro, Pa. have been successfully launched at one of the nation’s largest home improvement centers.

Initial sales at Lowe’s home improvements stores have exceeded expectations, said Barry Mortimer, a member of Local 1001 in Wellsboro and the local’s Rapid Response coordinator.

“I honestly believe it was totally Steelworker driven. Our plant manager, Matt Gontarz, has thanked us many times for our involvement,” Mortimer said.

The familiar incandescent light bulb is being phased out as a result of new federal regulations designed to increase energy efficiency.

As a result, some major manufacturers are closing production capacity in the United States and producing more efficient bulbs in China and other countries.

Osram Sylvania, however, has decided to manufacture its Sylvania Super Saver halogen bulbs at existing facilities in the United States, including the USW plant in Wellsboro.

Mortimer said the company confirmed 22,000 units were sold in the first week of the May product launch at Lowe’s with little corporate advertising behind it.

Lowe’s is considering showcasing the bulbs in end of aisle displays in all of its stores, a marketing strategy that should increase sales, Mortimer said.

The USW has promoted the bulb through its Rapid Response network, the Alliance for American Manufacturing and in mailings and other publications including USW@Work.

“The success of this lamp in my opinion can be contributed to all our union Brothers and Sisters who have worked very hard to get the word out about this union-made product,’’ Mortimer said.

“I would like to take this opportunity, on the behalf of the Brothers and Sisters of Local 1001, to thank those who have diligently made a point to buy American-made products. Thank you for all of your help.”


The new Sylvania Super Saver halogen bulbs can be produced on existing equipment and do not have some of the potential health hazards of its main competition, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that are largely made in China with toxic mercury as a key ingredient.


The Super Saver halogen bulb, if it continues to sell well, should support USW jobs at Wellsboro as the traditional incandescent bulb is taken off the market over the next few years.


Wellsboro currently produces the envelope or outer glass portion of light bulbs that are assembled at Osram-Sylvania’s plant in Saint Mary’s, Pa.

In addition to Lowe’s, the Sylvania Super Saver can be purchased in Menards and many BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in the Midwest. They can also be purchased on line at: http://www.sylvaniaonlinestore.com