Automation Integrator Adds to Newport’s Portfolio

Irvine, Calif.-based Newport Corp. has acquired Unique Equipment Co., adding the systems integrator to its fiber optics and photonics division. Unique Equipment, of Chandler, Ariz., designs custom systems that utilize robotics, lasers, machine vision and precision materials handling technology. Newport said it would employ the company's expertise in next-generation assembly and test equipment for the fiber optic telecommunications industry.

The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests to be added to Newport's earnings for 2000. Newport recently announced that second-quarter net income doubled from 1999. Contributing to the increase were sales to the fiber optic telecommunications industry, up 175 percent over the same quarter of 1999, and sales to the semiconductor equipment market, up 149 percent from last year.