By Ben Ames
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Goodrich Corp. in Charlotte, N.C., is set to acquire Sensors Unlimited Inc. in Princeton, N.J., for $60 million.
Sensors Unlimited produces short-wave-infrared (SWIR) technology with indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) imaging technology, which provides imaging in extremely low-light conditions.
Sensors Unlimited also has in-house manufacturing capabilities for advanced infrared cameras and short-wave-infrared, and near-infrared focal-plane arrays.
“This is a strategically important acquisition for our surveillance and reconnaissance business,” explains Marshall Larsen, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Goodrich.
“We continue to build on our growing presence in the defense and homeland security markets,” Larsen adds. “Shortwave-infrared sensors and near-infrared imaging systems, created with indium gallium arsenide technology, will significantly strengthen our position in the high-growth markets for surveillance and reconnaissance systems as well as homeland security applications.”
Larsen says the Goodrich DB-110 airborne reconnaissance system is capable of using the addition of short-wave-infrared technology. This technology is flying with the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, and will fly with Poland’s Ministry of National Defense.
“Our laser perimeter-awareness systems that support emerging homeland security needs may also incorporate short-wave-infrared technology to enhance their capabilities; thereby expanding the already broad portfolio of solutions we can offer to the marketplace,” Larsen says.
Sensors Unlimited products are for military, security, industrial, commercial, and telecommunications applications ranging from covert surveillance, night vision, health and safety protocols, and historical art inspection.
These products align with existing Goodrich positions in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, and are expected to create opportunities for additional growth in new and emerging markets, Goodrich officials say.
The transaction won approval from the boards of directors of Goodrich and Sensors Unlimited, and should close by late this year. The transaction is subject to approval by U.S. regulatory agencies. The 2005 sales for the new business are expected to be $19 million.
Sensors Unlimited, with its 39,000-square-foot facility in Princeton, N.J., and more than 50 employees, will become part of Goodrich’s existing Optical and Space Systems division in Danbury, Conn.
Goodrich Corp., a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense, and homeland security. For more information, see www.goodrich.com.
