Friday, October 3, 2008

Axsys plans Nashua expansion

By Mass High Tech Staff

Axsys Technologies (Nasdaq:AXYS), a Rocky Hill, Conn. company that develops high-performance cameras and optics, is doubling the size of its New Hampshire facility, opening a 67,000 square foot expansion at 44 Simon St. in Nashua.

Axsys makes surveillance cameras, imaging systems and related motion control technologies for the U.S. Air Force’s Global Hawk drone and a high-definition gimbal mounted camera for the BBC TV network, and has been a longtime original equipment manufacturer for contractors such as BAE Systems in Nashua. 

Axsys has received U.S. Army orders including a $13.5 million order on May 12 and a $9.7 million order on Aug. 11 for Thermal Weapons Sight lenses, a $16.9 million contract on May 22 for the Common Remotely Operated Weapons System and a $10.3 million order on Aug. 4 for Thermal Camera Systems. 

Axsys employs 360 people in Nashua and sited a 78,000 square-foot manufacturing plant at 24 Simon St. a decade ago, buying up smaller optics companies such as the Billerica-based DiOP in 2005. It has hired 100 employees in Nashua so far this year.

Axsys spokesman Jeff Nestel-Patt said Axsys will move its program for gyro-stabilized camera systems used to mount on law enforcement helicopters from its Grass Valley, Calif. site to the expanded site in Nashua. The expansion will also permit growth of existing programs, he said.  

The official opening is on Oct. 16, with state-of-the-art cameras on display, and Axsys will donate an infrared camera to the Central New Hampshire Special Operations Unit.

The opening will draw representatives from the nine police departments and top state officials. Congressman Paul Hodes and Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau have confirmed so far.