Can’t hold on any longer! Another specialized, niche, and innovative lighting company has suddenly ceased operations.

On September 12, Jiangmen Ouchi Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. issued a notice of closure, announcing the cessation of all business operations. This well-known company, which held two significant certifications—High-Tech Enterprise and Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative SME—and specialized in high- to mid-range commercial lighting fixture housings, has suddenly come to an end, sending shockwaves through the lighting and home‑interior industries.

The notice stated: “Affected by both market conditions and operational pressures, the company has been forced to make the difficult decision to cease operations.”

Addressing employees’ primary concern—wages—the company pledged: “We will not shirk our responsibilities. We will strictly comply with applicable laws and regulations, promptly initiate asset liquidation procedures, and do everything possible to raise funds by legally selling off inventory and equipment. Proceeds will be prioritized for wage payments. We will maintain transparent communication, regularly update progress, and ensure that your legitimate rights and interests are protected to the greatest extent possible.”

According to available records, Ouchi Lighting Technology Co., Ltd. was established in July 2007 in Guzhen Town, Zhongshan City. In January 2013, it founded the “Zhongshan Guzhen Ouchi Lighting Accessories Factory,” and in 2015 and 2016 opened retail outlets at the Ruifeng Lighting Accessories City and the Global Lighting Accessories City in Guzhen. In August 2017, the company relocated to the High-Tech Development Zone in Jiangmen, Guangdong, establishing “Jiangmen Ouchi Lighting Technology Co., Ltd.,” upgrading its production base to a 6,000-square-meter facility. In 2019, it launched the 2,000-square-meter “Ouguang Lighting Accessories 4S Store” at the Global Lighting Accessories City in Guzhen, bringing automotive 4S‑store principles into the lighting accessories sector.

Ouchi Lighting specializes in manufacturing ceiling lights, downlights, track lights, surface‑mounted downlights, cold‑forged heat sinks, and other components. Its “Ouguang Lighting Accessories 4S Store” focuses on custom non‑standard lighting fixture housing solutions, while the company has integrated advanced resources from leading brands in power supplies, light sources, and optics. It offers one‑stop solutions—including R&D, design, and production—tailored to customers’ specific application environments, along with on‑site lighting environment design services.

The National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System shows that the company’s registered capital is RMB 505,050, with Ou Zhou as the major shareholder holding 79.2001% of shares; shareholder Deng Zhiqiang holds 19.8% and also serves as the company’s legal representative. Additionally, Hong Kong Zhida Ya Trading Co., Ltd. and Hong Kong Zhiqu Li Trading Co., Ltd. each hold 0.5%.

Multiple media outlets visited the Global Lighting Accessories City outlet and found it temporarily closed, with doors firmly shut. The Jiangmen production facility has completely halted operations, leaving employees on standby as they assist in inventory and asset counts pending the final wage settlement plan. Several suppliers and employees reported that the closure came unexpectedly, without prior notice.

It is understood that the company pursued a high-end, private‑mold strategy. Custom non‑standard lighting fixtures designed for commercial applications or projects without a central light source can offer differentiation, but mold‑making costs are high, and minimum order quantities are substantial. However, in recent years, declining demand in both residential and commercial construction projects has directly impacted the high-end lighting accessories sector. Orders have fallen short of expectations, private‑mold products lack broad applicability, and when downstream customer orders shrink or project timelines slip, these investments quickly turn into sunk costs, placing immense pressure on companies’ cash flow.

On September 12, the Labor Bureau, local government authorities, and the court jointly intervened to manage the aftermath of this incident, with official priority set on settling employee wages first.

In recent years, numerous cases of lighting companies halting operations due to unpaid wages and asset transfers have been common. By proactively disclosing its plans and committing to prioritize wage payments, Ouchi managed its exit in a relatively dignified manner. At the same time, Ouchi Lighting’s closure serves as a wake-up call for all lighting companies pursuing similar strategies.