A CoolLED Legend in the Making
This month, CoolLED proudly celebrated a major milestone for one of our most dedicated team members, Luther Hindley, who has now worked with us for 10 incredible years.
To mark the occasion, Luther was celebrated with a special ceremony, showered with accolades, and handed a pen so exquisite it’s rumoured even the King himself might be jealous (if he was into really nice pens).
Now, a decade is a long time in the world of LED illumination. The field has evolved, the tech has improved, and Luther’s hairline has, well… remained suspiciously intact. So, what’s the story behind this legendary figure of CoolLED?
When Did You Start / What Role Did You Start With?
Luther began his journey with CoolLED in 2014. It was a simpler time back then – the LEDs were a bit dimmer, the coffee machine was a bit dodgier, and people still thought “light-emitting diode” still sounded faintly exotic.
“I remember walking into the office on my first day and thinking, ‘Wow, this place smells like pure innovation…’” Luther might have said (although we’re still waiting for him to confirm this completely accurate and probably not-made-up quote).
I started as an Assistant Production Engineer but this role morphed very quickly into NPI Engineer. This was at a time of significant growth and change at CoolLED and during this period I oversaw the introduction of a number of key technologies (including spectrometers and the wirebonder) and processes (SPC ) into production.
Why Did You Choose CoolLED? What Was Your Background?
My interests are many and varied but having just completed a Bsc (Hons) degree in Engineering Systems, while working as a Quality Manager for a local defence manufacturer, I was keen to put my engineering skills to better use and transfer to an innovative firm with potential to further my career.
Having also had a background in theatre as a sound and lighting engineer, the appeal of working for a firm that designs and manufactures light sources was significant for me.
What Are Your Biggest Achievements /
Proudest Moments During Your Time Here?
It’s not easy being Luther Hindley – not with all the achievements, accolades, and presumably a shelf somewhere buckling under the weight of trophies (and now, also, that pen).
Academically, CoolLED supported me in getting an Msc in Mechanical Design Engineering, which was of course a major professional achievement for me – but I’m also really proud of my contribution to a number of unique and innovative light sources we have developed in R&D and the resulting various Patents from these developments.
I also like to occasionally drop into conversations that there are components I have designed on the International Space Station…
As an R&D engineer, I get a great deal of pleasure from working on projects that explore new markets and technologies for CoolLED and seeing prototypes “in the field”.
What Do You Do Now?
Nowadays, Luther holds the title of Mechanical Design Engineer, which essentially means he’s the person everyone goes to when things get tricky, technical, or both.
“People think I just mess about with optics and lights, but there’s so much more to it than that. I mess about with really good optics and lights. It’s basically art,” said Luther, in another completely accurate quote.
I transferred from the Production and Manufacturing department to the research and development department after a couple of years in Production Engineering and I now design the mechanical elements of prototypes and test jigs for experimental optical designs and concepts.
What Tech Developments / New Product Ideas Are You Excited for in the Future?
When it comes to new product ideas, Luther is full of them – though not all of them are entirely serious. “I think we should have an LED that also dispenses snacks,” he once suggested, only half-joking. But in all seriousness, he has more than proved that even after 10 years, his passion for innovation is undimmed.
There are plenty of projects to keep my “geeky self” excited but I have to say that Hyperspectral Imaging is a really cool field of technology; one in which our expertise in specialist LED illumination systems is currently proving we can provide unique solutions to some of the challenges presented in this area.
I am enjoying the learning and innovation that we are engaged in at present and can see a really exciting future for me and CoolLED in this market.
A Message from CoolLED
Luther’s 10-year milestone is a genuine testament to his dedication, talent, and passion. On behalf of the entire CoolLED team, we congratulate him on this incredible achievement and look forward to many more years of collaboration and innovation.
Thank you, Luther, for your contributions to CoolLED and the field of LED illumination technology.
Here’s to the next chapter of success!
