 |
 |
17 Jun 2002
Ocean Optics of Dunedin, FL has bought the Guided Wave Process Analytical Systems Group from UOP LLC. This latest move will give Ocean an optical sensing product range from laboratory-scale to large process spectrophotometers.
The acquisition will also enable Ocean to manufacture its own fibers. Rob Morris of Ocean estimates that one in every four orders that the company receives requires specialist fibers. He says that other vendors are not usually geared towards making one-off customized components, so this can slow down the delivery of products to customers. Guided Wave has its own fiber-drawing facilities so these components can now be manufactured within the company.
Guided Wave is based in El Dorado Hills, CA and Ocean does not plan to relocate the 30 employees or the equipment in the forseeable future. "Guided Wave gives us a presence on the West Coast, where many of our customers are," said Morris. He added that the huge fiber-drawing facilities are not very easy to move.
Ocean has big plans for the next year. Morris says that it is actively seeking opportunities to flesh out its product line through further acquisitions. He hinted that the company is particularly interested in the fiber optic industry.
The company also hopes to become public within the next 12 to 18 months and has plans for expanding into Europe and Asia.
SH
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| © 2024 SPIE Europe |
|
