ABOUT US
Born of tradition
NOMA has endured as a symbol of tradition and nostalgia, cherished by generations of families since the early 20th century.
The story of NOMA begins in 1926, when the National Outfit Manufacturer's Association (NOMA) introduced the first commercially available electric string lights.
Ironically, most of the original partners who formed NOMA were Jewish, and did not celebrate Christmas at all.
In 1939, a new affilate business known as Noma Electric Company Ltd was launched in the UK. This was a joint venture between Noma Inc. of Toronto, and a consortium of UK and European partners.
Throughtout the war years, NOMA played a significant role as a symbol of hope - with slogans such as "Keep 'Em Aglow" - encouraging people to continue their holiday traditions despite the wartime challenges.
NOMA also became a successful example of the post-war boom, launching innovative new lighting products such as blinking bulbs, musical synchronisation, and bulbs in various shapes and colours.
By the early 1960s, the US side of NOMA (now known as NOMA Lites, Inc) filed for bankruptcy and shutdown operations.
In contrast, the UK branch continued to grow in success and innovation, emerging as the premium household name for Christmas lighting.
In 1969, Noma Electric Company Ltd was purchased by the Capel family, who reformed the company into NOMA Lites Limited.
The Capel’s opened their offices at the site of the famous Brooklands racing circuit and aerodrome, previously the manufacturing home of the Hawker Hurricane and Vickers Wellington manufacturing.
NOMA Lites Limited was purchased by the LeisureGrow group in 2014, joining an established family of national brands found in most major garden centres and high-end retailers.
NOMA also launched a spin-off brand, NOMA Garden Lighting (NGL), producing solar and seasonal outdoor lighting.
The story of NOMA demonstrates the enduring spirit of the holiday season, where we continue to innovate and set the seasonal trends from our christmas workshops in the Hertfordshire hills.
We are the oldest Christmas company in the UK, and most likely the world....
