Sperti History
SPERTI'S TIMELINE OF EXCELLENCE
SPERTI SUNLAMP was founded by Dr. George Sperti, pictured at right. Dr. Sperti was the recipient of numerous
degrees and awards for his work in the advancement of ultraviolet science. As a result of this work, he founded SPERTI SUNLAMP to manufacture ultraviolet bulbs and appliances for the general public.
In 1923...Sperti graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Immediately his talents and intellect were well respected and he began conducting scientific research and trying to create inventions while still a student.
1933...SPERTI SUNLAMPS were first manufactured at 424 E. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. These lamps were screw-in bulbs consisting of a tungsten filament and small mercury arc. They were approximately 100 watts and were primarily used as reading lamps. They did not produce a tan, but were intended to provide the user with full spectrum, healthful radiation for everyday chores.
1937...Full spectrum bulbs were discontinued and replaced with lamps intended to produce a tan. This product was called a medium pressure arc lamp. During this era, the sunlamp company was called Science Laboratories, Inc. At this point, Dr. Sperti's research pioneered developmental data supporting Vitamin D production in human skin when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
1939...The name of the company was changed to Sperti Products.
1940...The lamp making business outgrew the facilities on Fourth Street and relocated to larger quarters. The sunlamp was changed to what is called a high-pressure mercury arc lamp. This type of product became Dr. Sperti's primary product.
1942...The name of the company was changed to SPERTI, INC. During the war years, SPERTI, INC. manufactured various instruments for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force (bomb sites, mercury switches, distance sites and gauges). The only tanning lamps manufactured during the war were for military purposes.
1949...SPERTI, INC purchased Faraday, Inc. (Adrian, MI), a small manufacturing company. The ultraviolet tubes were made in Cincinnati and shipped to Adrian, MI for final appliance assembly. The name of the company became SPERTI-FARADAY.
1950...SPERTI-FARADAY purchased Cooper Hewitt Electric Co., Hoboken, NJ.
1954...Sunlamp tube production was moved from Cincinnati to Cooper Hewitt in Hoboken, NJ. The appliance was made in Adrian, MI until 1958, when all production was centralized in Hoboken. The Adrian, MI business location was sold.
1963...All production was moved to Northern Kentucky, where SPERTI products continue to be manufactured.
1991...SPERTI SUNLAMP was purchased by KBD, INC., a Kentucky held corporation. KBD is a successful manufacturing company with abundant capital resources and management experience. KBD owners, Kathy and Jim Shepherd, continue to improve SPERTI ultraviolet products for marketing in the health and beauty markets.
2006...KBD, Inc., manufacturer's of SPERTI products, reintroduced to the marketplace the D/UV appliance designed for the production of Vitamin D in the human body. KBD expanded the product line to include appliances for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).
2009...AND BEYOND...KBD, INC will strive to continue new product design and marketing expansion in the health care industry.
