The London Shard shines thanks to Burnley company (From Lancashire Telegraph)

The London Shard shines thanks to Burnley company

10:00am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Business Exclusive By Chris Gee , Reporter

A BURNLEY company has reached the summit of its field - by installing the lighting display at the pinnacle of The Shard - Western Europe’s tallest building.

LITE Ltd were appointed to supply, commission and program the illuminated display on the building’s pinnacle, 1,016ft above the south bank of the Thames.

The Rossendale Road based architectural lighting firm, who employ 23, have had a small team based in London installing 400 two-foot long LED strips for the display.

The lighting strips are now all in place and emit white light from the top of the skyscraper.

The company also installed and programmed digital controller equipment to operate the ‘light show’ at the summit.

The feature was unveiled to spectacular effect at the building’s official opening last week and is set to be seen by millions of people each year.

Managing director of LITE Ltd, Steve Hainsworth said that gaining the contract for The Shard was a 'huge boost' for the firm.

“To get to work within the spire of this magnificent building has been great for us.

“The Shard will be among the most prominent features on the London skyline for decades and it’s a proud achievement for the our company to be involved.

“The inspiration for the display is the pinnacle of the Chrysler Tower in Manhattan, which is an iconic image world wide.

“Maybe in time The Shard will have a similar place in people’s minds.”

The Shard commission is not the only high profile lighting contract that the firm, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, has completed.

The have done the illumination for the Lowry Theatre, and the Millennium bridges at both Salford and York.

Next on the agenda for the firm, is another commission for one of the capital’s iconic landmarks,The Victoria and albert Museum.