The Thomas Lighting brand dates date back to 1919, when Henrick Moe founded Moe Brothers Co. to manufacture residential lighting fixtures. Lee B. Thomas acquired Moe Brothers Co. in 1948 and, in 1953, changed the company name to Thomas Industries. The company developed a nationwide reputation as a designer and manufacturer of high quality lighting fixture, with a special emphasis on traditional styles. In 1998 The GENLYTE Group Inc. and the Lighting Group of Thomas Industries Inc. joined forces to create a new entity.