[UPDATED] Lighting system solution provider Leviton has acquired Home Automation Inc (HAI), boosting Leviton’s home automation offerings by providing solutions that combine security with energy management and entertainment controls.
HAI’s Bluetooth Remote Input Module is a finalist for the 2012 Resi Awards in the Integrated Product Systems category.
“Leviton’s acquisition of HAI represents a significant expansion of our offerings in the residential market, and furthers Leviton’s commitment to providing customers with the latest technologies as affordable, easy-to-use solutions,” said Daryoush Larizadeh, chief operating officer of Leviton, in a press statement. “Leviton and HAI are two established brands coming together to offer a complete whole home automation solution that customers can trust.”
Jay McLellan, current CEO and president of HAI, will manage the new independent business unit known as HAI by Leviton, which will continue operating from its New Orleans, LA headquarters. McLellan will report directly to Larizadeh. HAI products will be available through Leviton’s U.S. and international channel partners and distributors. Leviton will also provide builders and contractors with HAI system training.
“We are proud to be part of the Leviton team, joining a company with a rich history and well-established brand,” McLellan said in a statement. “Through the combined technologies from Leviton and HAI, we anticipate continued growth and innovation in the home automation space, providing homeowners with additional advancements for years to come.”
Larizadeh told Residential Systems that discussion about the acquisition began in late winter 2012, officially signing a letter of intent in May.
The most significant change dealers will notice is that more of the Leviton products will be available through HAI, and vice versa. Also, HAI will tap into its new parent company’s larger international presence.
In terms of product development, “The biggest thing we want to work on is to make HAI more of a commercial offering, expanding solutions that go into hospitality and light commercial applications,” Larizadeh said. HAI’s products will also be better integrated with structural wiring, Leviton’s home automation products, and its Vizia RF lighting control system. Leviton is looking at integrating HAI’s smart grid solution with Leviton’s submetering “as part of our energy management solution,” he said.
Leviton had not planned for a presence at CEDIA EXPO 2012, but since HAI has “we are working now to integrate some of the Leviton products into the booth,” to demonstrate the brands’ integration together. Leviton participates in homebuilders and energy management shows, so HAI will be prominent now in those as well.
HAI’s Bluetooth Remote Input Module is a finalist for the 2012 Resi Awards in the Integrated Product Systems category. The Resi Awards honor the best industrial designs of products being exhibited at CEDIA EXPO 2012, September 5-8, in Indianapolis.
Residential Systems will honor all Resi Awards finalists during a 5 p.m. CEDIA EXPO reception, on Wednesday, September 5, in Room 205 of the Indiana Convention Center, where a winner for each category will be announced.
