At the time this was a revolutionary approach since most other graphic software companies were focusing on offering end-user applications. The birth of the Lightworks rendering engine followed in 1990 when it was demonstrated at the Autofact exhibition in Detroit, and the first licenses were shipped in early 1991.

It was the start of what has today become a worldwide rendering solution with over 3 million users. The rest, as they say, is history and what a history it’s been since those humble beginnings back in the Sheffield Technology Park: the Company signed its first major CAD Developer in 1993 and the first Japanese customer in 1994; launched its Machine Tool Simulation arm in 1996 (now MachineWorks), and its large model navigation product in 1997 (now NavisWorks from Autodesk).

By the end of the century, Lightworks had passed the 500,000 end-user mark and launched its own content archive format - Lightworks Archive or LWA. 2001 saw the launch of a new office in Japan, and by 2003 Lightworks was being used by over 1 million users. By 2006 the original founders were looking to retire from the business, and the management team led a buy-out of both the Lightworks and MachineWorks businesses.

Lightworks has grown significantly over the past 20 years, forming 4 separate stand-alone businesses along the way, whilst remaining financially independent. Lightworks now has more than 3 million users worldwide and is integrated in over 80 Software Applications. The Company’s current team are just as dedicated to the cause as the original 4 founders and fully believe in not only the strength and breadth of the capabilities of Lightworks but also in its future development.

As we reflect on the past successes of Lightworks and the Company’s achievements in the past 20 years, we look forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the next 20 years.