Ocean Optics Acquires Unit

Ocean Optics Inc. has acquired the Oerlikon Optics business unit in Golden, Colo. for an undisclosed amount and will integrate it into its Thin Films Div., the company announced last week.

Oerlikon Optics USA is a supplier of custom optical components and subassemblies. Its Golden, Colo., optical coatings operation, including plant assets and customer and supplier relationships, are included in the sale.

"Oerlikon has a rich tradition of excellence in both design and manufacturing arts in the optics and thin-films industry," said Phi Buchsbaum, vice president of Ocean Optics' Thin Films Div. "The additional expertise and manufacturing capacity the acquisition provides are the perfect complement to Ocean Optics' unique optical thin-films processes. Our combined resources will result in a new generation of quality, innovative optical and thin-film products benefiting an array of industries."

"This is a further step in streamlining our portfolio and delivering on our promises. In view of its size and focus on niche markets, the optical coating business no longer fits into the OC Oerlikon business strategy," said Dr. Uwe Krüger, CEO of OC Oerlikon.

Ocean Optics, a subsidiary of Halma plc, makes miniature fiber optic spectrometers and optical sensing products. Its Thin Films Div. manufactures dichroic filters for entertainment, architectural and display products, as well as precision optics and coatings for scientific applications, defense and metrology. The division has nearly 70 employees, including 10 scientists and engineers.

Located in a recently expanded 30,000-sq-ft facility in Largo, Fla., the group uses advanced lithography equipment and vacuum deposition systems to provide optimal patterned solutions for optical systems.

For more information, visit: www.oceanoptics.com