Truck-Lite Headquarters
Founded in 1955 in Erie, Pennsylvania Truck-Lite’s market leadership was born from its deep commitment to research and development. They revolutionized lighting and LED technology for commercial and military vehicles, introducing many industry innovations. As lighting became more integrated into the full vehicle electronic system, Truck-Lite’s ability to program software, design and print circuit boards and manufacture in-house was a unique advantage.
After decades on the east coast, in 2018 Truck-Lite made the decision to move their expanding Research and Development center to Southfield Michigan, “…in order to be closer to the supply chain and have better access to qualified talent.” Southfield is home to a number of automotive industry suppliers, including Denso, Lear Corp. and Federal Mogul’s global headquarters.
Southfield, Michigan
Working with Royal Oak based Freund & Associates, Hobbs+Black designed the new two-story 50,000-square-foot headquarters and technology center. The prominent site faces the Lodge Freeway with a tree-lined wetland on it’s northwest boundary. The program includes a 2 story high bay demonstrator space that accommodates a full semi truck and trailer, a training center, mixed media work cafes, fitness center, cutting edge open office space, research work rooms and numerous cross functional collaborative areas. The economical building envelope embraces a modern, high-tech influence while balancing the context of nearby high-rise masonry buildings.
As the building neared completion, Clarience Technologies merged with Truck-Lite and moved into their new research and development headquarters in 2020.
