Our History!

Over the years, Primus Lighting has grown through key milestones as a family-owned and family-run business. This timeline highlights the pivotal moments that define our journey and continue to guide our vision.

May, 2000
Inception of Primus
After gaining valuable experience at Celestial Lighting, Jaime Calderon launches Primus Lighting from his home, driven by a desire to build something of his own. Focused on innovation, quality, and a customer-first approach, he sets out to create lighting solutions for both residential and commercial spaces.
May, 2000
June, 2000
Decostring Launch
Primus Lighting enters the market with its debut product, the Decostring series—an innovative blend of style, function, and design. This launch marks the beginning of a bold vision to redefine lighting for both residential and commercial spaces.
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June, 2000
October, 2000
Built By Brothers!
Jaime’s brother, Pedro Calderon, joins the business as a partner, taking on the role of production manager. With his expertise and dedication, Pedro plays a crucial role in overseeing the production process, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. His partnership strengthens the team and brings new perspectives, contributing to the continued growth and success of Primus Lighting.
October, 2000
November, 2000
Our First Home in El Monte, CA
Primus is transitioning from operating out of a garage to a historic 1937 post office, marking a new chapter in its growth. The company now shares this iconic space with IE Systems, who occupy the other half of the building. This move reflects Primus’ expansion and commitment to creating a professional, dynamic environment, while collaborating alongside another innovative business in a historic setting.
November, 2000
February, 2001
Primus’ First Big Break: Olive Garden Deal
Primus secured its first major contract with Olive Garden, supplying the Decostring series across multiple locations. The project validated its design approach, provided crucial early funding, and positioned Primus as a trusted name in the industry.
February, 2001
November, 2001
Primus welcomed IE Systems into its operations
Primus Lighting, founded by Jaime, quickly earned the support of Wally Whitney from IE Systems, leading to a small ownership partnership for him and his son Blake.
November, 2001
January, 2004
Triumph at the Hollywood Bowl!
Primus completes a major project for the Hollywood Bowl, showcasing its expertise in delivering high-quality lighting for prominent venues. This milestone reinforces its reputation and opens doors to future large-scale opportunities.
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January, 2004
April, 2007
Setting the Stage for Linear Lighting
The launch of the ALX1, ALX2, and ALX3 marked a key moment for Primus, establishing a visionary platform that opens the door to limitless possibilities for future product innovation and growth. These new offerings lay the foundation for expanding the company’s product line and solidifying its position as a leader in the lighting industry, paving the way for even more groundbreaking developments in the years to come.
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April, 2007
May, 2007
Embracing the Digital Era!
Primus ventures into the digital realm by launching its first website and unveiling its second logo. This move marks an important step in expanding the company’s online presence and enhancing its brand identity. The new website provides a user-friendly platform for customers, while the refreshed logo reflects the company’s growth and commitment to innovation, positioning Primus for continued success in the digital age.
May, 2007
June, 2011
Transition to LED lighting technology.
Primus transitions from fluorescent lighting to advanced LED technology. This shift enhances energy efficiency, longevity, and overall performance, aligning with the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By embracing LED technology, Primus strengthens its position as a forward-thinking leader in the lighting industry, offering customers more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions.
June, 2011
November, 2013
Logo Update!
Primus is undergoing an exciting rebranding process, marking a significant milestone with the launch of its updated website. This new digital presence is designed to better reflect the company’s evolving vision and values. Along with the refreshed website, Primus is also unveiling its 3rd Generation Logo, symbolizing innovation and growth. These changes demonstrate Primus' commitment to staying ahead in the industry and offering a modernized experience for its customers.
November, 2013
August, 2014
Decostring Shines Once Again at Balboa Park, San Diego!
Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub in San Diego, is home to museums, the zoo, and historic Spanish colonial architecture. Primus' Decostring illuminated key areas such as El Prado, Lily Pond, and the California Tower Plaza, enhancing the park’s historic charm. This lighting installation not only highlighted the park’s beauty but also created a memorable experience for visitors, blending modern design with the rich cultural heritage of the landmark.
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August, 2014
September, 2015
Decostring Adds Life to Pacific City in Huntington Beach, California!
Primus Lighting’s Decostring system enhances Pacific City’s outdoor spaces with clean, warm illumination that perfectly complements its coastal, open-air design. The lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the area’s natural beauty while providing a comfortable and inviting environment for visitors to enjoy day and night. This thoughtful integration of design and functionality showcases Primus Lighting's commitment to elevating outdoor experiences.
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September, 2015
February, 2016
New Image! New Me!
Primus undergoes a minor rebranding, staying true to one of its core values: beauty in simplicity. The refreshed branding focuses on clean, minimalist design elements that reflect the company’s commitment to elegance and functionality. This update reinforces Primus’ vision of creating timeless, impactful solutions that are both visually appealing and easy to integrate into any space.
February, 2016
November, 2016
Brickyard, Playa Vista!
The Brickyard at Playa Vista, Loyola Marymount University’s tech and media hub in Silicon Beach, features the Primus Linea series throughout its parking levels and walkways. With its sleek and functional design, the Linea series complements the development’s modern white brick exterior, adding both style and practicality. This lighting solution enhances the area’s aesthetic appeal while providing reliable illumination, perfectly suited for the dynamic and innovative environment of Silicon Beach.
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November, 2016
September, 2019
Preserving History: The Primus Marquee at a Los Angeles Landmark
Opened in 1966, this historic hotel became a Los Angeles landmark, hosting A-list celebrities and the Apollo 11 astronauts. Despite a push to demolish it, the building was preserved as a Historical-Cultural Monument in 2013. The Primus Marquee fixture honors the hotel’s original design by modernizing the iconic entrance lighting. Sleek new fixtures maintain the awe-inspiring beauty of its classic marquee, blending history with contemporary elegance.
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September, 2019
March, 2020
Elements Series: Wet Location Suitable? Yes!
Introducing the Elements Series: The same high-performance lighting as our Linea Series, now specially designed, built, and tested for permanent wet location installation. This new series offers durability and reliability in challenging environments, providing exceptional illumination for outdoor spaces while maintaining the sleek, modern design Primus is known for.
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March, 2020
April, 2020
Decostring Shines at Rodeo 39
Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton, CA, was designed as a vibrant gathering space for enjoying meals and community under the California sky. Primus' Decostring, featuring 18" acrylic spheres in a striking grid pattern, provides shade by day and a glowing ambiance by night. This innovative design blends creativity with function, enhancing the market’s atmosphere while offering both comfort and visual appeal for visitors day and night.
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April, 2020
January, 2021
Lighting Up a Law Firm
When McDermott Will & Emery relocated its NYC headquarters to a striking new skyscraper, the goal was to create a space as sophisticated and forward-thinking as the firm itself. Primus' Cove lighting brought that vision to life with seamless, ambient illumination that enhances both form and function, providing a modern and professional atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the firm’s innovative identity.
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January, 2021
August, 2021
Passing the Torch to the New Generation
After two decades of leadership, Jaime Calderon is ready to pass the family business to his younger son, Jimmy Calderon. With pride and confidence, Jaime trusts Jimmy to lead the company, confident he will uphold the family values and take the business to new heights. This moment symbolizes both the continuation of the company and the strong father-son bond, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations.
August, 2021
March, 2022
Decostring Lights Lake Street - Arnolds Park!
Primus successfully completes the Lake Street project in Arnolds Park, Iowa. This accomplishment showcases the company’s ability to deliver high-quality lighting solutions, enhancing the area’s aesthetic and functionality. The project further solidifies Primus’ reputation as a trusted provider of innovative lighting designs for both local and national projects.
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March, 2022
June, 2022
Introducing Decodrop Series
Primus is excited to announce the launch of our highly anticipated new product series, Decodrop! Crafted with precision, Decodrop is designed to captivate and inspire, offering innovative lighting solutions that enhance any space. This new series represents Primus’ commitment to delivering exceptional quality and creative design, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking products in the future.
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June, 2022
February, 2023
Primus Lights Another McDermott Office
Following their New York office revamp, McDermott Will & Emery brought their modern vision to Miami. Primus’ Cove Lighting Series provides sleek, energy-efficient illumination that complements the space’s clean lines and vibrant, professional atmosphere. This lighting solution enhances the office’s contemporary design, creating a well-lit, inviting environment that reflects the firm’s innovative and forward-thinking identity.
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February, 2023
March, 2024
Decodrop + Linea = Decobar
The Decobar Series perfectly blends the Decodrop and Linea designs. A versatile, durable lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s wet-rated, dimmable, and available in various sizes and finishes. Ideal for creating the perfect ambiance, Decobar offers reliable, stylish lighting that suits any setting, making it the ideal choice for both functional and aesthetic lighting needs.
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March, 2024
March, 2025
Extreme Weather Tested: Decostring
Our Extreme Weather Decostring is specifically engineered to perform in the world’s harshest conditions, from scorching deserts to coastal environments and beyond. With its unmatched durability and reliability, it is trusted worldwide to deliver consistent performance in extreme weather. Whether facing high winds, heavy rains, or intense heat, this innovative lighting solution ensures long-lasting illumination, making it the perfect choice for challenging outdoor installations in even the most demanding settings.
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March, 2025
April, 2025
Revitalizing the Brand!
Primus unveils a fresh website and rebranding, reflecting a new direction for the business. The updated approach focuses on helping everyone shine brighter together, with a commitment to ensuring both direct and indirect benefits for all involved. This rebranding represents Primus' dedication to growth, collaboration, and creating value for customers, partners, and the broader community, while maintaining the company's core values and vision for the future.
April, 2025

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