A BOLD STEP FORWARD: BUILT FOR PURPOSE, DESIGNED FOR PROGRESS
On April 7, 2025, First Light Safety Products—a division of Smartrend Manufacturing Ltd. Group—joined partners, leaders, and the Winnipeg community to break ground on a revolutionary new manufacturing facility at 1455 Clarence Avenue. This milestone marks a bold step forward in our mission to innovate and deliver life-saving safety solutions for school buses worldwide.
In a time when many in the private sector are pumping the brakes, we’re accelerating.
While global markets hesitate and many companies are adopting a “wait and see” approach, we’re proudly, moving forward with confidence. Our new $30 million facility, built in partnership with Weathervane Investments, represents more than bricks and mortar— this 140,000-square-foot facility is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing student safety on a global scale, innovation, and North American manufacturing excellence.
A Vision Rooted in Safety and Innovation
First Light Safety Products has long been a leader in school bus safety, renowned for its innovative technologies- Illuminated School Bus Sign™ (ISBS), Fully Illuminated Stop Arm™ (FISA) and patented retroreflective illumination. Trusted by schools across North America, with five U.S. states mandating our products and growing global demand- this new single hub, will design, test, and manufacture the next generation of life-saving school bus safety solutions across North America—and soon, around the globe.
“Our products make school buses safer. That’s not something that goes out of style,” said Kevin Smith, President & CEO of Smartrend Manufacturing Group & First Light Safety Products.
“This facility ensures we’re equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges while staying true to our core mission: protecting children.”
A Vote of Confidence
In an era where economic headwinds and trade tensions have slowed investments, First Light and Smartrend Manufacturing are accelerating.
“We feel this is a calculated risk,” said Scott Bearss, Partner at Weathervane Investments. “So we’ve got our foot on the gas.”
With our $30 million investment in this facility, developed in partnership with Weathervane Investments and being built by Pre-Con Builders, we’re representing a strong vote of confidence in Winnipeg’s future.
As Kevin Smith stated, “We believe making this investment now is still going to be a great decision three to five years from now.”
Despite tariffs impacting cross-border trade, First Light’s products remain shielded under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The company is also expanding into emerging markets like India and Vietnam, ensuring its innovations reach communities worldwide.
Here’s What’s Coming: Inside the Facility Where Innovation Meets Ingenuity
Spanning 7.5 acres beside Motor Coach Industries, our new 140,000-square-foot facility, scheduled for completion in October 2026, will serve as the headquarters for both First Light Safety Products and our parent company, Smartrend Manufacturing Group.
Modern and Comfortable Team Member Amenities:
- Spacious, restaurant-style lunchroom with multiple seating arrangements
- Large bathrooms and locker rooms
- Multiple unique, thought-provoking collaboration zones
- Progressive training facility
State-of-the-Art:
- Mechanical and electrical R&D laboratory, including a full suite of testing equipment
- Electronics manufacturing
- Plastics processing and digital printing
- Inspection and quality lab
- 95,000 sq. ft. of advanced manufacturing and warehouse space
A Win for Winnipeg
The project isn’t just a win for First Light—it’s a win for Manitoba. The facility will consolidate Smartrend’s three Winnipeg locations into one dynamic space, creating 100–200 new jobs over five years, strengthening the local economy and reinforcing our leadership in safety technology.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham echoed the sentiment at the ceremony: “I’m sincerely grateful, probably right now more than ever with everything going on. We do appreciate confidence in Winnipeg.”
Looking Ahead
As steel rises and walls take shape, First Light remains laser-focused on its purpose: saving lives and empowering school transportation professionals with best-in-class safety solutions and innovation. With 20 patents under its belt and a relentless drive to improve, the company is poised to redefine safety standards for decades to come.
We’re deeply grateful to our dedicated team members, loyal customers, and supportive business partners who have made this expansion possible.
“We’re not just building a facility,” said Kevin Smith. “We’re building a legacy of safety.”
Stay tuned for updates as construction progresses on what will become the new home of innovation in school transportation safety.
Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best—innovating, manufacturing, and lighting the way for safer school transportation.
Join us as we illuminate the way forward.