Jack Fitchett, City of Flagstaff Economic Development Business Attractions Manager, is thrilled that KC HiLiTES, the brightest star in off-road vehicle lighting, has moved to Flagstaff.

“This is the type of business that we want to attract to the city,” Fitchett said. “Business with low impact, high quality products [environmentally friendly] The job fits well into our manufacturing target sector. “

As an internationally known and respected company, KC HiLiTES had humble beginnings in Saugus, California. Founder Peter “Kim” Brown discovered the need for off-road lighting during a camping trip in Parker in the early 1960s. After nearly missing a turn in an off-road vehicle, Brown decided he needed brighter lights that didn’t exist at the time. He found an aircraft landing bulb, put it in the housing, and attached it to the truck. And, voila, a star named KC HiLiTES was born.

Of course, his friends liked the idea and wanted car lights too, so as demand increased, Brown decided to turn his garage into a factory, working with local stay-at-home moms while his kids went to school. We recruited. He also persuaded his friends Bob and Carol Delander to help him with the business. At the time, they lived in Saugus, California.

Today, the long-established KC brand with its iconic yellow and black smiley face can be found on off-road vehicles, trucks, snowplows, construction equipment and military vehicles around the world. KC HiLiTES has also attracted the attention of professional off-road racers and has appeared in competitive events.

Early on, Brown formed a partnership with Californian supplier Mike Wang. The two became good friends and both had sons in business. Brown’s son-in-law, Michael DeHaas, began working in warehouses and eventually ventured into sales, and in 2004, as CEO-elect, he acquired KC HiLites. Wang’s son, Alan, became an investor and partner in KC HiLites, which he acquired from DeHaas in 2015. Currently, he is the president and CEO of the company.

“In the meantime, we started seeing headwinds across the business,” says Alan. “Together, Michael and our family saw an opportunity to leverage his long-standing supply chain relationship to deliver growth for years to come.”

Today, KC HiLiTES continues to be a family owned business.

“It’s great to see KC’s history embraced by keeping the company in Arizona, especially in Flagstaff,” said DeHaas. “They have developed many new products to enhance the KC product offering and have done a really great job in their business expansion efforts.KC HiLiTES has a bright future in hand!”

Flagstaff resident Ron Pryczynski has been with KC for 20 years. “I joined him in the summer of 1999 and worked with Pete and Michael as his sales and events coordinator. did,” he said. “It’s definitely a new company as it has evolved a lot with new management. It’s more technical with a focus on new LEDs and cutting edge lighting systems. Cool adventure.

“We are deeply passionate about our products and even more passionate about using them,” said Alan. “At the heart of everything we do is a genuine desire to connect with ourselves and each other through adventure.”

“Our plan is to move the entire business to Flagstaff. Nothing will be left behind,” said Alan. “Williams’ assets are a big part of the legacy that brought us here, and we plan to capitalize on them in the future, but no final plans have been set yet.”

Built in 1997, the 23,700-square-foot facility is located off Old Route 66, Arizona Daily Sun. Pryczynski said he will be hiring for retail, production, warehousing, marketing and various other positions.

KC uses High Intensity Discharge (HID), Light Emitting Diodes (LED), and Halogen to power off-road lights, light bars, rock lights, and nearly all off-road vehicles, such as snowplows and snowcats. manufactures adventure products for work vehicles. .

KC HiLites Brand Marketing Manager and Team Lead Taylor Ulrich said: “Our auxiliary lights and fog lights light the way for people heading to trailheads for hiking, biking or camping.

The recent release of the FLEX ERA 1light is the smallest and most versatile light for off-road vehicles. “This is our new generation of lighting and accessories,” said Ulrich.

Supporting the community is also important to KC HiLiTes.

“KC has been an integral partner for us and without their support we wouldn’t be here.Kids skills like gardening, welding and tire changing.

“They donated an array of lights, kindly opened the facility up for tours and allowed the kids in our program to build light bars. They introduced me to some great supporters and even allowed me to participate as a participant in the car show.”
Lehman.

“The KC team is amazing. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with them.” FBN

V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

KC HiLiTes is scheduled to move in on October 15th. For more information, please visit: www.kchilites.com Or call us at 888-689-5955.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuss Photography: General Manager Ron Pryczynski and Team Lead Brand Marketing Manager Taylor Ulrich are looking forward to a bright new chapter for KC HiLiTes.