The origins or a huge passion
More than 40 years ago, the first production of igniters and ballasts in Turgi, Switzerland has started. Since then, a lot has happened. Here is a brief summary of the company's history:

History

2010: HÜCO Lightronic becomes BAG
Just in time for light+building 2010: With the revealing of the new corporate design, the dual brand strategy is dropped and HÜCO Lightronic now becomes BAG

2009: The signs continue to be set for expansion: BAG electronics purchases HÜCO Lightronic in Espelkamp.
The signs are set for expansion. BAG electronics acquires HÜCO Lightronic. The high quality products from Espelkamp become a part of the expanded product portfolio of BAG and the HÜCO employees strengthen the organisation.

2005: Zirius hot starters introduced to the market
In the area of hot re-ignition, the new ZIRIUS generation of fully electronic ignitors with intelligent ignition management system is developed in 2005.

2002: Acquisition and moving of BAG Turgi to Arnsberg
In 2002, BAG electronics GmbH was founded, with its headquarters in Arnsberg, Germany. At first, the focus here was in the area of electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps. The further expansion of this site to be the headquarters of BAG resulted in all activities in the areas of production, development, sales administration, marketing, purchasing and logistics being centred in Arnsberg.

2000: Multi-lamp technology arrives
In 2000, a new era is heralded with the series production of the world's very first electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps with multi-lamp technology. With these devices a luminaire can be configured with lamps of the same length but with differing wattages, without having to replace the ballast.

1999: Expansion in China: A production facility is founded in Zhuhai
The signs all point to expansion: another production facility is built in Zhuhai in China.

1998: Founding of the first foreign production facility in the Philippines
The first foreign production facility is founded in the Philippines, near Manila.

1994: Change-over to digital technology
The change-over to digital switching technology in electronic ballasts ensures a program-controlled start and optimised operation of the fluorescent lamps. This makes the service life of the lamps almost independent of switching frequency.

1981: The first electronic ballasts are introduced at the Hanover Fair
At the Hanover Fair (Hannover Messe) electronic ballasts are presented for the first time.

1972: Superimposing ignition devices replace thyristor controlled devices
The first superimposing ignition devices with bi-metal starters, called SM6, replace the thyristor controlled devices.

1968: BAG Turgi markets the first hot re-ignition devices
Osram releases the first thyristor controlled superimposing ignition device from BAG for the operation of the 400 W high pressure sodium vapour lamp. More releases for ignition devices follow. Technical progress continues to advance: the first hot re-ignition device for instant re-ignition of high pressure sodium vapour lamps is being developed and is used to illuminate sports stadiums such as the Olympic Stadium in Munich, Germany.

1967: BAG Turgi starts the production of igniters and ballasts
After GE invented the high pressure sodium vapour lamp, BAG starts producing a supply unit consisting of a thyristor controlled ignitor and an inductive ballast. This system is designed for street lighting at the Melinde dam in Switzerland.