This was originally called the Buckeye Roto Ray, made by the Buckeye Iron & Brass works of Dayton, Ohio. Buckeye was well known for its agricultural products (tobacco cutting machinery, linseed and cotton seed oil presses) and steam fittings. The remains of the Roto Ray product line were acquired by firefighter Richard Sleppetz of Herndon, VA in the 1980s. Demand for Roto Rays never completely abated and Mr. Sleppetz was able to redesign the light and produce it reliably. Today production runs approximately 700 units per year. Virtually every fire apparatus manufacturer includes wiring for a Roto Ray in their custom cabs.