DL Manufacturing incorporates in NY, with the invention of the Versa Light, in the basement of a house in Kirkville, NY. The product popularity grew quickly, due in large part to a commitment by a major Fortune 100 company to install these loading dock lights throughout its distribution centers. The first 160 units were built in that same basement!

The original corporate headquarters opened on Fly Road in Syracuse, NY with 4 employees and Don Metz as President.