Optical-sensing-systems manufacturer Ocean Optics (Dunedin, FL) has acquired the Guided Wave Process Analytical Systems Group of UOP LLC (El Dorado Hills, CA). The company, which will continue operations at the El Dorado Hills location, manufactures on-line visible and near-IR spectrophotometric process systems for industrial and laboratory applications.
The Guided Wave acquisition is Ocean Optic's third major business expansion in less than six months. The firm recently licensed a process for producing precision patterned dichroic optical filters and also acquired the assets of Continental Optical, a manufacturer of optical components and coatings for military applications and commercial use. With its recent growth, Ocean Optics now has more than 100 employees worldwide and sales approaching $30 million annually. Since 1992, the firm has sold more than 14,000 spectrometer systems globally and developed almost 500 new spectrophotometric accessories. In addition to process and laboratory spectrophotometers, Guided Wave's product line includes a vapor monitor for real-time peroxide monitoring. The company also has a custom-designed drawing tower for manufacturing high-performance fiberoptic cables and probes.
"Guided Wave will continue its commitment to current customers," said Keith Miller, the firm's manager of customer sales and service. "Our new relationship with Ocean Optics creates opportunities for collaboration in research and development, manufacturing, and other areas with the goal of producing a new generation of advanced analytical systems."—Paula Noaker Powell