Thermal imaging and infrared camera systems maker Flir Systems Inc. will merge its Commercial Vision Systems and Thermography divisions into one unit, the company announced Thursday. The Thermography sector primarily makes handheld thermal imaging systems used industrially and commercially for high-end predictive and preventative maintenance, research and development, test and measurement, leak detection and scientific analysis, according to Flir’s Web site. The Commercial Vision Systems sector makes uncooled products that are generally lower cost for commercial markets requiring night vision in adverse conditions such as automotive, recreational marine, firefighting, airborne law enforcement and commercial security. Flir’s infrared sensor business is also part of this division. The merger, effective Jan. 1, is the result of the planned retirement of Thermography president and Flir executive vice president, Arne Almerfors, which will be effective in the first quarter of 2010. The new division will be led by Andy Teich, currently president of Commercial Vision Systems, and will focus on the large potential for growth in commercial and industrial markets, the company said, including strategic product development based on uncooled infrared technology. Almerfors began his career at Flir in 1997, becoming president of Thermography in 2000. Under his leadership, the division opened new markets and increased the penetration of infrared technology into applications such as predictive maintenance, building diagnostics, HVAC, medical applications, research and development, and many others, the company said. For more information, visit: www.flir.com