Hazardous area lighting maker Petrel reaches West Midlands investment shortlist

Lighting specialist Petrel shortlisted for investment award

Petrel, a Birmingham-based specialist in hazardous area lighting, has been shortlisted in the Investment category at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards 2026, with winners due to be announced on 26 February 2026.

Petrel said it has been shortlisted to a final group of three after a judging process.

The black-tie awards ceremony will take place on 26 February 2026 in the West Midlands.

Petrel was founded in the 1930s and has operated under the Petrel brand since 1984.

The company manufactures ATEX, UKCA and IECEx-certified lighting solutions for hazardous and industrial environments.

Petrel operates from a 3,650 sqm manufacturing facility in Birmingham.

Its work covers end-to-end design, engineering, testing and production for sectors including renewables, chemical processing, distilleries, manufacturing and heavy industry.

Investment programme and manufacturing footprint

Petrel said the nomination follows a period of investment after it became part of Pioneer Safety Group (PSG) in early 2024.

Phase one of the programme included refurbishment of its Birmingham site and upgrades to IT and supply chain infrastructure.

The company also expanded its research and development and testing capability.

Investment extended to staff benefits, wellbeing initiatives and clearer progression pathways.

Petrel said these changes have improved productivity, reduced lead times and supported plans for growth in the UK and international markets.

Pemberton said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside such respected organisations and to represent the strength of advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands.”

Petrel named the other nominees in the category as Debrett’s and Likewise Group.

Further information about its hazardous area lighting portfolio is available at https://www.petrel-ex.co.uk/

Petrel now goes forward to the February awards alongside two other shortlisted organisations.

Raytec acquires Finnish Atexor to expand hazardous area lighting portfolio

Raytec acquisition expands hazardous lighting reach

Raytec has acquired Finnish portable ATEX and IECEx lighting specialist Atexor, expanding its hazardous area lighting portfolio and presence in the European Union.

The company said the transaction brings together expertise in fixed and portable LED lighting for security and safety critical applications in hazardous locations.

According to Raytec, the move is intended to support customers that require high performance lighting across a wide range of hazardous area tasks.

The combined business will focus on delivering lighting options suitable for varied hazardous area requirements and operating environments.

Atexor background in hazardous area lighting

Raytec described Atexor as a well established manufacturer of robust portable and temporary lighting systems for hazardous areas.

Atexor was founded in 1983 and has developed lighting designed for demanding conditions.

Its equipment is used in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemical and manufacturing.

The company’s ATEX and IECEx products are built for tasks where portable and temporary lighting must meet hazardous location requirements.

According to Raytec, the acquisition also expands its footprint in the European Union hazardous area lighting segment.

Raytec stated that customers will have access to a broader choice of products for inspection, maintenance and other work in challenging environments.

Combined expertise and future customer support

Raytec said the acquisition would allow it to offer a more comprehensive hazardous area portfolio backed by joint research and development capability.

David Lambert, Managing Director of Raytec, said: “Atexor’s reputation for technical excellence and quality perfectly complements Raytec’s own commitment to innovation in illumination.

“Bringing Atexor into the Raytec family strengthens our market position and allows us to serve our customers with a broader portfolio of hazardous area lighting to suit any hazardous area requirement.”

Raytec said customers would also benefit from an expanded service and support network built on both companies’ existing operations.

The company highlighted the role of strengthened research and development activity in developing future hazardous area lighting products.

Raytec confirmed that Atexor will continue to operate as an independent company and brand.

It said this approach is intended to provide continuity for existing customers and partners using Atexor products.

Atexor perspective on new ownership

Atexor commented on the change in ownership through its Managing Director Jukka Viitasalo.

Jukka Viitasalo, Managing Director of Atexor, said: “The sale marks an important step for Atexor Oy, opening new opportunities for continued development under the new ownership.

“We look forward to building on our strong foundation and continuing to serve our customers with the same commitment and quality.”

Implications for hazardous area lighting projects

The combination of Raytec and Atexor hazardous area portfolios provides new options for equipment specifiers responsible for lighting in oil and gas facilities.

Fire safety officers in petrochemical plants can reference this development when assessing available ATEX and IECEx certified portable lighting for maintenance and inspection tasks.

Facility managers in manufacturing environments may find that a single supplier group can now cover fixed, portable and temporary hazardous area lighting requirements.

Procurement officers working with emergency response teams or industrial fire brigades can consider how the wider product range affects framework agreements and purchasing strategies.

Electrical contractors and system installers operating in hazardous areas can track product compatibility and support channels as Atexor continues to trade as an independent brand within the Raytec group.

Risk assessors and fire engineering consultants can take account of the merged research and development capability when reviewing lighting solutions specified for hazardous locations.