The Journey of JALITE PLC

In the ever-evolving landscape of life safety, one name stands out as a beacon of trust and reliability - JALITE PLC. As we celebrate an impressive 40-year journey marked by a steadfast commitment to safety and innovation, JALITE has solidified its position as the go-to supplier for photoluminescent signs. Let's reflect on this remarkable journey and discover why JALITE is your preferred partner in safety.

The Inception of Excellence

Our story began with a commitment to excellence and safety innovation. Founded in 1971 as part of the Swiss company Decofim S.A., JALITE quickly gained recognition for our dedication to enhancing safety through harnessing and developing photoluminescent technology.

The Birth of JALITE PLC in 1983

The rise of JALITE coincided with a clear timeline of tragedies in the 1980s that shaped the culture of fire safety whilst at work, stressing the need for photoluminescent products as a secondary source of emergency lighting. Unfortunately, the incidents repeatedly occurred within offshore environments, such as the Piper Alpha oil rig catastrophe, since named the world’s worst offshore disaster, as 167 men lost their lives whilst at work. The disasters rightly initiated discussions about health and safety in our global communities; with guidance for mitigating risks of injury, harm, or death for people whilst at work and beyond. In essence the tragedies highlighted the need for reformed health and safety requirements and guidance, including signing systems and Safety Way Guidance Systems. JALITE was at hand to accommodate this need for radical change within health and safety.

John Creak's Vision and Dedication

In 1999, John Creak became the proud owner of JALITE PLC and took on the role of CEO. His background in chemistry, business, and marketing uniquely positioned him to lead the company into the international arena. John was not only an adept leader but also a hands-on innovator. He worked tirelessly in the lab, perfecting photometric pigments and materials used in JALITE products including our fire safety signs and other low location lighting systems. John pushed the boundaries of what photoluminescent safety technology could achieve; the result was the creation of JALITE AAA photoluminescent market leading material.

JALITE AAA the pioneer of new industry Standard

The creation of JALITE AAA photoluminescence was a key milestone in our journey. John’s innovation set a new industry benchmark for performance, that was unmatched and decades ahead of the rest of the industry. JALITE AAA photoluminescent class C+ material, has always been 3 times the optical brightness of other photoluminescent material since John created it. JALITE AAA photoluminescent products are always class C+ minimum, both effective and the best performing in low-light or dark conditions.

The pursuit of excellence and quality in safety became a hallmark of the JALITE mission.

Setting Safety Standards

John's dedication to safety extended beyond just the laboratory and JALITE. He actively engaged in setting safety requirements through organisations like BSI (British Standards Institution) and PSPA (Photoluminescent Safety Products Association), further solidifying our role as an Industry leader in safety and innovation.

Jim Creak: A Partner in Safety

John Creak made a strategic decision to enlist the support of his identical twin brother, Jim Creak, in the journey to elevate JALITE success. Many of you in the UK have had the privilege of a personal connection with Jim. With a rich background in sales and marketing, Jim skilfully cultivated relationships, elevating JALITE brands’ presence across the UK. His regular provision of technical expertise and quality assurances for JALITE products ensured customer satisfaction, allowing John the flexibility to explore global markets and expand our international footprint while providing invaluable strategic direction and innovation. Jim's unwavering dedication to the company closely paralleled his brother's commitment to safety and cutting-edge advancements.

In 2022, Jim Creak left for a well-deserved retirement. However, his connection to the company and his passion for safety never waned. Jim now supports the new management through his consultancy work, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of safety professionals.

A Family Legacy

Tragically, John Creak passed away in 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of dedication to safety. His vision and passion for JALITE was passed on to his family, and with the support of the dedicated staff, together with Hayley Bishop and Steve Perry, Nicholas Creak has assumed the role of CEO. Nicholas is committed to continuing his father's legacy by providing outstanding products, maintaining a high level of service, and upholding the tradition of producing quality safety solutions in the UK. Together we will ensure that JALITE legacy continues to grow, lighting the way for a safer more secure world.

Conclusion

As we celebrate 40 years of safety, our journey is a testament to the power of innovation, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to setting the highest safety standards. From our founding in 1983 to our position as a global leader today, JALITE has consistently illuminated the path to safety, saving lives all around the world.

When you choose JALITE as your partner in safety, you're choosing four decades of excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Trust in JALITE – your beacon of safety.