The U.S. operations division of Blachere Illumination, The Christopher Shop in Christopher, IL, has grown into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end commercial Christmas displays.  They supply illuminated displays for shopping centers, casinos, hotels, municipalities, Disney World, and Sea World.

The company was founded in 1971 in France and has expanded into several countries:  Germany, Holland, Belgium, South America, United Kingdom, and the United States.  The Southern Illinois company began as a test site in 2007.  The president of the company, Ronnie Brown, met the owner of a small Christmas business called Trogolo, at a trade show in Las Vegas.  Brown accepted Trogolo’s offer to rent some space from him in Christopher, Illinois.  Before you knew it, Blachere bought Trogolo and began expanding.

Blachere Illumination is currently creating a 15 foot sphere tree for Disney World’s Christmas celebration and illuminated sails to go on a pirate ship at a Christmas display at Sea World.

The company employs about 50 employees in their peak season.  They have grown every year, reported 11% growth for 2010 and expects the same for 2011.

To discover the history of Christmas Tree Lights, read our article “Christmas Tree Lights From Candles to LED’s“.