We Make Cool Things in Urbana, Ohio: Lighting the Future of Flight
Since 1933, the Honeywell site in Urbana has led the way in aviation lighting – from the first exterior aircraft lights to today’s advanced systems for military refueling and rescue.
The Honeywell Aerospace site in Urbana, Ohio, has been shaping the future of aircraft lighting since 1933, when it was founded as Grimes Manufacturing. It was the first to install lights on the outside of aircraft – a breakthrough that, by the end of World War II, had become an industry standard.
That legacy continues today. The site now produces the world’s most advanced aircraft lighting system, featured on the KC-46A tanker. This technology enables military aircraft to refuel mid-air safely and discreetly – supporting critical missions with precision and reliability.
The latest development? A laser-based searchlight that improves visibility and reduces pilot workload during rescue missions – another step forward in safety and performance.
This story is part of our We Make Cool Things series, where we’re meeting the people who run Honeywell’s manufacturing sites that produce our solutions in automation, energy transition and aviation around the world.
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