When it’s employee appreciation day and the company, one of the few remaining automotive light source manufacturers in the US, has a new partnership with Ford (as in the automaker), how do you celebrate?

At OSRAM SYLVANIA in Hillsboro, you donate a 2015 Ford F-150 with LED headlamps made at the plant to the local fire department.

Because the fire department depends on volunteer firefighters, many of whom work at the plant.

According to OSRAM, the Hillsboro Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to a community that covers about 42 square miles, with a population of about 6,000. Last year, it responded to around 1,000 calls.

The new F-150 is equipped with a full LED forward lighting system, a technology made possible by OSRAM, Tier 1 supplier Flex-N-Gate and DBM Reflex. No other light-duty pickup truck on the road today has LED headlamps.

Cheryl Blackwood and Hillsboro firefighters

“Hillsboro counts on the dedicated men and women of our fire department to protect us from harm’s way,” said Cheryl Blackwood, Hillsboro plant manager, “and now they can count on our innovative lighting system to help keep them safe on the roads. We hope Hillsboro residents will be proud to see their local heroes driving around town in the all-new F-150 with the beautiful LED headlight system designed and assembled right here.”

Officials say the new partnership with Ford has enabled OSRAM to make significant investments in the New Hampshire plant and to hire and train new employees.

Great story, OSRAM … thanks for sharing.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development