Northrop Grumman consolidates gyroscope operations

BALTIMORE, MD-Northrop Grumman is in the process of closing two of its Navigation Systems Division facilities; one in Canton, MA and the other in Westwood, MA (formerly Fibersense Technology). In January the company told employees at these two facilities-which produce fiber optic gyroscope technologies for navigation systems-that the operations would be consolidated with other existing Northrop Grumman facilities in Salt Lake City, UT and Woodland Hills, CA. The consolidation is expected to be complete by the end of September.

According to Jack Martin, director of public relations for Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems, the shutdown of the two Massachusetts sites will result in the eventual elimination of 149 engineering, manufacturing, administrative, and management positions. However, a small number of employees at Canton and Westwood are being offered an opportunity to transfer with the business, and the company is providing outplacement services to assist employees at Canton and Westwood in finding new employment elsewhere, Martin added.

Northrop Grumman acquired Fibersense Technology from Audax Group in 2002 for $44 million in cash, as part of the company’s strategy to offer fiber optic gyroscope-based navigation systems and better situational awareness solutions to customers in the aerospace and defense markets. A part of Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector, the Navigation Systems Division provides situational awareness products and services for the defense and commercial markets, including integrated avionics, inertial navigation and guidance systems, satellite electronics, identification friend or foe systems, smart displays, fiber-optic sensors and systems, and logistic support products and services.
-Kathy Kincade