Time marches on, and if there’s one thing that moves us (and also makes us a little nostalgic), it’s looking back and seeing how ROBLAN has grown, expanded, and, at the same time, remained true to what matters most: quality, a personal touch, and the values of a family-owned business. Because yes: ROBLAN Europa was born 20 years ago with our arrival in Spain!
Ever since the Pereira brothers took the step of bringing the family business to Spain in 2004, we have embarked on a journey filled with hard work, innovation, and learning. But above all, it has been a journey shaped by extraordinary people.
This space is our small and humble tribute to all of you: to those who were there at the beginning, laying the groundwork; to those who continue to work tirelessly every morning; and to those who join us day after day to make the ROBLAN name shine in Europe and around the world.
Before you keep reading, we invite you to turn up the volume, press play, and get excited with us as you watch this very special video we’ve put together to celebrate our 20-year history:
From Caracas to Toledo: The Roots and History of the ROBLAN Family
Our 20-light-year history didn't begin yesterday. To understand who we are today in Europe, we have to travel back in time:
- The 1960s: The First Spark. It all began when José Rodríguez Blanco, a courageous Asturian immigrant, opened a small shop in Caracas, Venezuela, dedicated to selling electrical supplies. It wasn’t just a store; it was the promise of a better future.
- The 1970s and 1980s: The Birth of an Identity. A group of Galician entrepreneurs took up the torch, expanding the business until it became one of the country’s leading companies and grew to be Venezuela’s top distributor of electrical and lighting equipment. It was in 1986 that the ROBLAN brand was officially registered, with a very clear promise: to offer high-quality, affordable lighting backed by impeccable service.
- 2004: The leap to the Old Continent. The second generation of the family business—siblings Raquel (director of marketing and communications), José Ángel (CEO), Rosa, and Arturo (CEO)—established the ROBLAN brand in Spain. That’s where our story in the country begins… and in Europe! It also marks the start of our European expansion, which began with our entry into the Portuguese market.
- Our growth: Over time, that family dream outgrew our original offices. In 2017, we opened our global headquarters in Toledo—a turning point in our logistics and service capabilities—we expanded into the United Kingdom, and shortly thereafter, we opened a branch in Hong Kong.
We grew in size, revamped our image, and coined a slogan that’s now ingrained in our DNA: “Light Up the Good.” Because lighting isn’t just about providing light—it’s about making people’s lives a little better.
Projects with Soul Over the Past 20 Years: Beyond the Numbers
In our more than 20 years in Europe, we’ve come to realize that success isn’t measured by the lumens of a light fixture, but by the stories that unfold beneath it. That’s why, in recent years, we’ve wanted to give back to society a portion of everything it has given us:
- "50 Years of Luz": As we celebrated the brand’s half-century anniversary worldwide, we didn’t want to host a stuffy corporate gala dinner. We organized a reunion. We brought together our ROBLAN family, lifelong friends, and the partners who have supported us—to embrace one another, remember where we came from, and promise to keep moving forward together.
- Bars That Shine on Their Own: After the hospitality industry went through such a difficult time during the pandemic, we took to the streets to support our bars—those places that bring neighborhoods to life. We donated complete lighting projects to establishments in need, demonstrating that light also heals and revitalizes the local economy, and we conducted a study on the impact of lighting in the hospitality industry with the support of Hostelería de España.
- Lightfluencers: In 2024, we decided it was time to highlight the true artists of the industry. With this campaign, we gave a voice and visibility to lighting designers and professionals who transform cold spaces into places full of magic, safety, and warmth. We also wanted to highlight the importance of lighting in projects across all industries.
The journey continues (and it's all thanks to you)
If we had to sum up these more than two decades in Europe in a single word, it would be ESSENCE.
We’ve changed our logos and websites; we’ve created hybrid LED lighting fixtures that we couldn’t even have imagined back in 2004; we’ve expanded across continents… but we’re still the same company. We’re still that family-owned business that answers the phone with a smile, cares for its customers as if they were family, and firmly believes in the value of keeping our word.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To you, the installer, who trusts us with your projects. To you, the distributor, who makes room for us in your warehouse. To you, the architect, who finds inspiration in our projects. And to you, our ROBLAN colleague, who pours your energy into this family every day.
We've been celebrating our anniversary for over 20 years in Europe... but the best is yet to come. Let's keep making great things happen together!
