MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 21 -- Spectra-Physics has reorganized its business units to bolster growth in telecommunications and other strategic markets. Spectra-Physics now comprises three operating groups, each of which contains a variety of specialized business units. The company's current Distribution Group, which handles worldwide sales of Spectra-Physics products, has added a Worldwide Telecommunications business unit that will focus on global distribution operations for the passive and active components segments of Spectra-Physics. The company's three new operating groups are the Passive Telecommunications group, the Active Telecommunications group and the SP Lasers Group. The company's new Passive Telecommunications operating group is made up of a Passive Components business unit, an Optical Systems unit and a Feeder Plant and External Optics unit. This group will handle supplying precision optical components and fiber optic assemblies to the passive components arm of the telecom market. It will also provide precision optics, metal fabrication and fiber optic assemblies to other business units within Spectra-Physics. The second operating group is the Active Telecommunications Group, which consists of the Opto Power business unit and the Active Telecom Systems business unit. This group is in charge of supplying high-power semiconductor lasers, high-power multimode pump lasers, semiconductor-pumped fiber lasers and other products for the active component branch of the telecom market. The SP Lasers Group will handle all laser business in the industrial, OEM and research markets. Its business units include the Industrial and Scientific Lasers unit, an OEM unit, a Commercial Lasers unit and a Laser Analytical Systems unit. We believe that the new infrastructure effectively balances our management resources between strategic direction and day-to-day operations, both of which are essential to sustained growth, said Patrick L. Edsell, chairman, president and CEO of Spectra-Physics. More importantly, it increases our focus on high-growth passive and active telecomm opportunities, while ensuring that we maintain our leadership position in the semiconductor-based laser markets.