Philips Canlyte invests $500,000 in new LED program including Clean Room in
Lachine Montreal

MONTREAL , Nov. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Philips Electronics today announced a $500,000 investment in Canlyte, for the development of Light Emitting Diode (LED) products, including the construct of a state-of-the-art Clean Room in its Montreal plant. The Canlyte division of Philips will be one of the first in the country to use a controlled environment for the production of this new lighting technology.

"The move from incandescent to LED lighting represents a major technological turn for the industry, "as enormous as the move from cash registers to today's computers" , says Mike Gentile , President, Canlyte Ltd. "Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are 50 per cent more efficient than traditional light bulbs, consume less energy and have a longevity of more than 15 years or 50,000 hours."

At the company's headquarters in Montreal , Canlyte engineers were tasked with developing two types of products; indoor lighting using remote phosphor technology and LED technology used in the creation of high-end optical products for exterior lighting. These patented innovations required a controlled assembly line to ensure the elimination of contaminants and static electricity that could affect product quality and performance. To that end, Canlyte built its own Clean Room.

Because Canlyte already produces such a large amount of Philips' lighting systems, the company was quick to award the development mandate of these innovative LED lighting systems to the Quebec division. For one thing, the expertise is already in place in Montreal . And with its 229 trained employees, the Montreal plant is able to meet industry standards and adapt more easily. Finally, of Canada's four leading manufacturers of lighting products, only Philips produces its lighting systems in the country.

Canlyte plans to double annual production over the next several years, thanks in large part to steady demand in the US export market. But there are benefits beyond return on investment. For instance, LED lighting is better for the environment because it consumes less energy than traditional light options. Companies save on their electricity bills, use premium quality, patented products that can be adapted to their needs, and can take pride in investing in products that are made in Quebec , by Quebecois.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands , Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

For further information: Court Elliott, Philips, [phone], [email protected]; Stéphanie Morissette, MO:PR, [phone], [email protected]