Cree LED Success Story: Innovation and Job Growth
Cree LED: A Revolutionary Success Story in Innovation and U.S. Manufacturing
In March, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu visited Cree, Inc.’s headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. Their visit was to recognize Cree’s groundbreaking achievements in LED technology, its significant role in U.S. manufacturing, and its contribution to creating jobs within the clean-tech sector. During the visit, they emphasized the importance of job creation, innovation, and energy efficiency in driving the growth of the green economy in the U.S.
Vice President Biden’s Remarks on Cree’s Impact
Vice President Biden expressed his admiration for Cree’s achievements, calling it one of the best examples of American innovation. “It ties so much with what President Obama and I are trying to do: job creation, innovation, environmental impact, and exporting American ingenuity around the world. It’s all in one package here at Cree,” said Biden.
He also pointed out that while the government plays a supportive role, the real credit goes to Cree for its innovation. The company’s success is largely attributed to its commitment to manufacturing energy-efficient products in the U.S., which aligns with the Obama administration’s goal of fostering a clean energy economy.
Supporting the Green Economy and Clean-Tech Jobs
Cree is benefiting from federal tax credits under the Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing program, which is designed to support energy-efficient technologies. Cree has also received substantial investments in Department of Energy research, further helping to drive forward its research and development in LED lighting technologies. This ongoing government support plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in today’s economy.
Technological Advancements and Job Growth at Cree
Cree’s work in LED technology has made tremendous strides. The company is best known for its innovation in blue LED technology, a breakthrough that significantly advanced the development of high-efficiency white-light LEDs. This technology has enabled Cree to create energy-efficient lighting solutions that are not only more environmentally friendly but also economically viable for a wide range of applications.
Since early 2009, Cree has added 375 jobs in North Carolina alone, contributing to the growth of the local economy. These jobs have helped solidify Cree as a leader in the LED lighting revolution and as a major player in the green economy.
New LED Products and Their Impact on the Lighting Market
As part of its commitment to innovation, Cree recently announced new products, including the XLamp XP-G series. These high-performance LEDs have set new standards for light output and energy efficiency. For example, the 3,000K warm light LED emits up to 114 lumens per watt at 350mA, making it an ideal choice for residential and commercial lighting applications.
The XLamp XP-G series also meets the latest EPA Energy Star requirements, making it a critical component in achieving higher energy efficiency standards across the lighting industry. These innovations represent a key opportunity for Cree to expand its market share in the general lighting sector.
Recognition of Dr. Nick Holonyak: The Father of LEDs
Secretary Chu took a moment to recognize Dr. Nick Holonyak, Jr., the inventor of the first practical visible-light LED, for his groundbreaking contributions to the technology. Holonyak’s invention in 1962 paved the way for the development of modern LED technologies.
As of today, the vast majority of LEDs are produced in Asia, but Chu emphasized the enormous potential for the U.S. to reclaim leadership in LED manufacturing. He noted that by 2020, LED technology could reduce lighting energy consumption in the U.S. by one third, further cementing the importance of LEDs in the transition to a more sustainable future.
Conclusion: Cree’s Role in Shaping the Future of Lighting
Cree’s commitment to innovation and its contributions to job creation and U.S. manufacturing continue to set it apart as a leader in the clean-tech and lighting industries. With ongoing government support and its focus on sustainable, energy-efficient products, Cree is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the lighting market.
As the company continues to push the boundaries of LED technology, it will not only contribute to the green economy but also inspire other manufacturers to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. Cree’s success is a testament to the power of American innovation and its potential to lead the way in the global transition to clean energy.
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