FLIR Systems adds machine vision to infrared know-how with acquisition of Point Grey Research

WILSONVILLE, Ore. - Executives of electro-optics and infrared sensors specialist FLIR Systems Inc. in Wilsonville, Ore., are boosting their company's expertise in machine vision cameras with their upcoming acquisition of Point Grey Research Inc. in Richmond, British Columbia.

FLIR officials have agreed to acquire Point Grey Research for $253 million in cash. Point Grey Research develops machine vision cameras for use in industrial, retail, scientific, traffic, mapping, and other advanced imaging applications.

The addition of the Point Grey business will augment FLIR's existing OEM cores and components business by adding visible spectrum machine vision cameras and solutions. FLIR officials say.

Point Grey develops advanced visible imaging cameras for military and defense products, industrial automation systems, medical diagnostic equipment, people-counting systems, intelligent traffic systems, and advanced mapping systems. The company designs cameras and related software.

FLIR's thermal sensor technology also will extend Point Grey's product range into new application spaces. The business will become FLIR's Integrated Imaging Solutions line of business operating within the FLIR Systems OEM and Emerging segment.

"Thermal imaging technology provides vision systems customers an alternative imaging spectrum that offers a rich, largely untapped layer of information that can be further leveraged," says Andy Teich, FLIR's president and CEO. The transaction should close by the end of this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Point Grey Research online at www.ptgrey.com, and FLIR Systems at www.flir.com.