Several changes of ownership over the past two years have done nothing to deter Spectron Laser Systems (Rugby, England) from its ongoing development of solid-state lasers and their markets. What could have been a disruptive period has in fact brought about consolidation, the fruits of which are now becoming apparent in new staff, new products, and new markets.
Spectron was founded in 1982 and run as a privately owned company for 15 years. Toward the end of this period, Spectron experienced very rapid sales growth as one of the few suppliers of ruby-laser technology at a time when it became popular as a medical system. In 1997, the company was acquired by Laser Industries Ltd., an Israeli public company trying to establish itself as an industry leader in the hair-removal market. The following year, Laser Industries became part of the ESC Medical Systems Ltd. (Ramat Gan, Israel), and so did Spectron.
By this time the ruby-laser market had dwindled to a fraction of its former size as alexandrite was now favored in cosmetic laser circles. Becoming part of a bigger group of companies was good news for Spectron. It provided access to new technologies and to new markets. The US-based CO2 laser manufacturer Surgilase Products (Warwick, RI) was already part of the group and quickly became Spectron Lasers USA. With both solid-state and CW CO2 laser technologies in its portfolio, the newly expanded Spectron was in a good position to move forward. The company now employs more than 80 people in the UK and more than 12 in the USA.
"Our aim is to be a one-stop shop for laser technology," managing director Mark Greenwood said. Our recent emphasis on optimizing the operations side means that even though our sales are currently growing at 5%-10% per quarter, we are still delivering on time. Our next focus is sales and marketing."
Bridget Marx | Contributing Editor, UK
Bridget Marx was Contributing Editor, UK for Laser Focus World.