Star Safety Technologies by Grote Proudly Designed, Manufactured, and Assembled in the USA!

Fourth Generation

The History of Star Headlight & Lantern

Generation 4 (1974-2008)

David W. Jacobs

David W. Jacobs
Fourth President

1974: On May 10, David W. Jacobs is elected by the Board of Directors to succeed his father as the fourth President of Star, at the age of 31.
1976: On December 9, John Andrew Howard (Andy) is elected as Assistant Vice President and General Manager of Star.
1985: John "Andy" Howard is made Executive Vice President of Star.
1989: Star Headlight & Lantern celebrates its first century "Serving the Railroad, Automotive and Industrial Markets." For lantern collectors... lanterns made during this centennial year were stamped, "Made on our 100th year."
1993: On May 12, Christopher Jacobs, David's oldest son, becomes the fifth Jacobs to work at Star, at the age of 24.
1994: Over the past five years, Star has grown from 35 employees to 80. On August 1, Monroe County Chief Executive, Robert King, visits Star Headlight & Lantern. He was shown the Electronics Division and the strobe lights being produced for snow plows, the flashing lights for railroad cars and the lanterns still vital to today's railroad workers.

Aerial Photo of Star's Avon Plant

Aerial Photo of Star's Avon Plant

1997: To accomodate a boom in production, Star moves its manufacturing facility to a larger 70,000 square foot factory at 455 Rochester Street, Avon, New York. 120 employees move Intro the new facility.
2000: Governor of New York, George Pataki tours and speaks at Star Headlight & Lantern's new facility in Avon, New York.
2000: On February 22, Star acquires Florida based Signal Vehicle Products Company.
Signal Vehicle Products
2000: Star celebrates the new millenium with the launching of their electronic catalog and website at "www.star1889.com". Star has grown to over 200 employees.

David W. Jacobs with his Mother, Dolores and Chris, his Son

David W. Jacobs with his Mother, Dolores and Chris, his Son