BYD announced that it had been awarded a contract to transition all streetlights in the City of Lancaster, California to LED streetlights by the end of this year. These 17,825 lights, 40% of which will be made locally at BYD’s factory in Lancaster, will provide a better lighting output and distribution for the city, utilizing top of the line technology.
“We’re proud to be making buses and trucks here in Lancaster, and we’re excited that a city we love is taking steps to become more sustainable using BYD technology,” said Stella Li, president of BYD America.
The BYD factory in Lancaster, California currently employs more than 400 local people, and with a planned expansion nearly complete, that number is expected to triple over the next three years. Earlier this month, BYD employees in Lancaster completed a “card-check” vote, one major step towards unionization. With many of these lights being produced locally, even more jobs will be created in Lancaster.
Mayor Rex Parris of the City of Lancaster thanked the city council for their action to accept BYD’s bid, which was won through an open and competitive process. “If there’s a way to create jobs, cut energy costs, and make our air cleaner, why wouldn’t we take it? Lancaster is proud to be the first city in North America using these LED lamps, and I look forward to seeing them in all of our streetlights this year.”
