Sofradir, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared (IR) detectors for military, space and industrial applications, announced December 16 that it has completed the acquisition of the New Jersey (USA) IR equipment company, Electrophysics. Sofradir, headquartered in France, wholly owns Electrophysics, which has been renamed Sofradir EC (Sofradir Engineered Components).
Frank Vallese, former owner of Electrophysics, will head Sofradir EC as president. Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO of Sofradir and chairman of ULIS, will also serve as chairman of Sofradir EC.
"The name Sofradir EC is intended to leverage the strength of our brand and reputation as a quality supplier of IR detectors in the defense, space and commercial industries," said Bensussan. "Sofradir EC will help our company meet the specific needs of North American customers of cooled and uncooled IR detectors."
The estimated North American market for infrared detectors is US$1 billion (approximately EUR 770 million).
Sofradir EC will continue developing and supplying infrared equipment such as specialized thermography equipment, and night vision modules for low-light photography and videography, focusing on scientific, industrial, public safety, security and defense applications.
About Sofradir
Sofradir specializes in cooled IR detectors based on a sophisticated high performance technology, Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT), and its vast product portfolio of scanning and staring arrays covers the entire infrared spectrum. Sofradir also offers QWIP detectors developed in cooperation with Thales. Sofradir owns two subsidiaries: ULIS, of which GE Equity has 15 percent ownership, and Sofradir EC. ULIS designs and manufactures low cost uncooled amorphous silicon infrared detectors for commercial applications. Sofradir EC develops and supplies infrared equipment for scientific, industrial, public safety, security and defense applications.
