Our history
For nearly 50 years, LEC has been writing its story through lighting innovation. Pioneers in the use of LED technology, we have shaped—project after project—a singular vision of urban lighting. Discover the journey of a company that reimagines the night.
The founding of LEC
The story of LEC began in 1977 with Pierre Valancogne, a passionate and visionary engineer. A specialist in road signalling, he quickly identified the potential of LED technology to address a major challenge: the costly and repetitive maintenance of traditional markers. By developing the first LED road signalling markers, he paved the way for a new generation of durable, energy-efficient lighting products.
From its very early years, LEC stood out through its strong commitment to standards and quality. At a time when LED technology was still in its infancy, the company was already working closely with the relevant authorities to help define the standards that would go on to structure the market.
The birth of a lighting signature
LEC’s reputation grew through emblematic projects. Its first major realisation took place in Paris, with the transformation of the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais-Royal under the direction of artist Daniel Buren. For this landmark project, LEC designed a bespoke lighting solution capable of displaying a different colour on each face of the luminaires—an innovation that already illustrated the company’s ability to meet the most ambitious creative and technical challenges.
Third generation
LEC is first and foremost a family venture. After Pierre Valancogne—the visionary figure who laid the foundations of the company and its activity—his son Jean-Pierre took over in 1993. He was tasked with managing a crucial transition: the shift from a niche technology to one that became almost universal with the widespread adoption of LED lighting.
In 2015, his son-in-law Guillaume Pollet assumed the role of Managing Director, before becoming President in 2018. His objective was to refocus LEC on its core strengths—safety wayfinding, mobility, and enhancement lighting—by placing urban lighting at the heart of the company’s strategy. Under his leadership, the company faced major challenges, notably the COVID health crisis and the energy crisis.
Our values, our DNA
Since the very beginning, LEC has been built on core values that define its strength:
EXPERTISE
INTEGRITY
RESPONSIVENESS
RELIABILITY
AVAILABILITY
These principles guide each of our actions and lie at the heart of our commitment to our partners and clients.
A new era
In 2024, in the face of major economic challenges, LEC entered a new chapter in its development by joining the GROUPE RAGNI — a nearly century-old French family-owned company specialising in the design and manufacture of public lighting solutions and connected technologies, whose values and long-term vision strongly resonate with LEC’s own DNA.
This strategic alliance reflects a shared ambition: to secure the continuity of LEC’s expertise while opening the door to new industrial, commercial, and technological synergies.
