Business briefs

15 Sep 2006

Featuring news from Flir Systems, ADE, Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, Invitrogen, Cedip and others.

• Flir Systems has received a $12.9 million order from the US Navy for long range multi-sensor imaging systems. The system, known as High Performance Mobility Flir, includes a laser rangefinder, thermal imager and an image intensified TV and laser pointer coupled with navigational inputs. It can be integrated into command and control systems for use in search and rescue, surveillance and reconnaissance.

• Metrology systems developer ADE has reported its Q1 2007 revenue to be $29.7 million compared with $29.3 million for Q4 2006 and $24.3 million for Q1 2006. ADE's most recent generation of products serve both 65 nm in-line manufacturing applications and 45 nm process development. "Revenue grew more than 20% year-on-year, and comparable period net income rose by 36%, despite the increased expenses associated with our pending merger with KLA-Tencor," said Chris Koliopoulos, president and CEO.

• Sensl, a developer of low light photon detection sensors and modules has announced a global expansion of its distributor network. Demand for solid-state photon detection products has been growing steadily as customers seek replacements for less reliable photomultiplier tube technology, the company commented.

• Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, (CRi) and Invitrogen have signed a co-promotional agreement for new in vivo imaging solutions. The deal will see both parties jointly promote the use of instrumentation from CRi and in vivo reagents developed at Invitrogen's Molecular Probes facility in Eugene, Or, US. These in vivo reagents enable end-users to realize earlier effectiveness from their imaging efforts in small animal modeling for disease state studies such as cancer.

• Infrared camera developer Cedip Infrared Systems has announced that its turnover for first half of 2006 totaled €7.7 million ($9.8 million), representing growth of 19% on H1 2005. Exports represented 86% of sales, with strong growth in Asia-Pacific. The company also announced the signing of a new "million dollar" contract with the US Army.

• Planar Systems has this week completed its previously announced acquisition of Clarity Visual Systems, a provider of command and control digital displays, signage hardware and associated software. Planar acquired all the outstanding stock of privately owned Clarity for $21.9 million in cash and approximately 1.8 million shares of Planar common stock.

• Synova, the pioneer in water jet-guided laser technology, has received an order from Vishay Intertechnology, a large manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, for its Laser Dicing System (LDS) 200. Synova also reports that it is teaming with Trend Laser Technology, its distribution partner in Taiwan since 2004, to establish the latest in its string of regional micromachining centers in Taipei.

• Quintessence Photonics, a developer of high-brightness, high-power semiconductor lasers, has achieved ISO 9001 certification, showing its compatibility to the international set of standards for quality and continuous improvement.

• Docter Optics, a developer of glass projection lenses for automotive headlights, has relaunched its website for customers in the automobile industry and other areas. Docter produces molded projection lenses in optical-grade glass. The company has completely redone its online presence and expanded its information content.