Presstek's Lasertel Division Signs Defence Deal

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Aug 5, 2005

Presstek's Lasertel division has formed an alliance to provide laser diode components and assemblies to Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems (Selex S and A S).

Presstek's Lasertel division has formed an alliance to provide laser diode components and assemblies to Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems (Selex S and A S).

The initial phase of the agreement is expected to generate approximately $950,000 in revenue through the first quarter of 2006.

Selex S and A S, a Finmeccanica company, is one of Europe's leading defence electronics companies which is 75 per cent owned by Finmeccanica and 25 per cent owned by BAe Systems and brings together the former UK-based BAe Systems Avionics and Galileo Avionica in Italy.

In addition, Presstek has acquired intellectual property and know-how that will enable its subsidiary, Lasertel, to now produce laser diode stacks for various applications, including defence.

The contract with Selex S and A S and the intellectual property and know-how were acquired from Decade Optical Systems.

Prior to the acquisition, Lasertel supplied laser diodes to DOS, which in turn produced the components for Selex S and A S.

Presstek's president and chief executive Edward J Marino said: "We are delighted with the opportunity to work directly with Selex S and A S on this long term project that will exploit the technologies of our two companies.

We believe this agreement demonstrates Lasertel's technological leadership and continuing ability to rise to the needs of its customers.

In addition, we believe the expansion of Lasertel's manufacturing capability in to this new area has the potential to open further business opportunities in the laser imaging market." Selex S and A S head of procurement for USA subcontracts, Graeme Creamer, said: "We are truly excited about this opportunity to work directly with Lasertel and look forward to expanding our relationship with the company on this new venture." Lasertel president, Mark McElhinney, added: "The defence sector is an important and growing market for Lasertel.

The alliance with Selex is a significant opportunity for us and we are delighted to be able to work with one of the worldwide leaders in the industry.".