Kaiser Optical Systems Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Its Expansion in Ann Arbor

Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc., an Endress+Hauser Company and a world leader in spectrographic instrumentation and applied holographic technology, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on May 16, 2016, formally marking the expansion of its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Scheduled for completion in December 2016, the two-story manufacturing facility is expected to be fully operational by June 2017.

The event began with a speech from Tim Harrison, Managing Director & CEO of Kaiser, speaking about Kaiser’s and Endress+Hauser’s growth plans, and their commitment to Scio Township. This speech was addressed to the entire Kaiser workforce, returning retirees, and select visitors.

Notable visiting speakers at the ceremony included Kent Martinez-Kratz, Scio Township District Commissioner, Spaulding Clark, Scio Township Supervisor, and George Balogh, former Managing Director at SpectraSensors, Inc. In addition, John Schnake, Corporate Director of Process Analyzers at Endress+Hauser and newly appointed Managing Director at SpectraSensors, Inc. was in attendance.

Upon completion, the new manufacturing facility will add 48,700 square feet, increasing the company’s footprint by approximately 127 percent. As a result of this expansion, Kaiser estimates that 20-50 new high-tech jobs will be created in the community over the next five years. The positions are expected to range from floor technician to PhD professional. Further demonstrating the company’s commitment to the community, local contractors, suppliers, and laborers will be used whenever possible during the construction phase.

“The expansion of our facilities in Ann Arbor is an exciting chapter in the Kaiser story,” said Tim Harrison, Managing Director and CEO of Kaiser. “The new facility will be the core of Kaiser Raman manufacturing.”

Kaiser’s core competency is in Raman spectroscopy, a technique that uses laser light to evaluate a sample’s chemistry. Raman spectroscopy is used to monitor and control processes, and is suitable for applications in pharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, polymers, refining, specialty chemicals, and more.

“Our new state-of-the-art manufacturing space will allow our specialists and technicians to produce higher volumes of Kaiser's Raman analyzers and phase-optimized probes, while maintaining the high quality standards our customers expect,” said Harrison. “The facility will offer exceptional training space capable of hosting larger Raman training sessions than we have historically been able to accommodate, as well as customer one-on-ones,” added Harrison.

As part of its continued commitment to green initiatives, Kaiser will plant 100 more trees on its campus than the local ordinance requires. The company will also partner with Scio Township to plant additional trees throughout the city of Ann Arbor.

“Kaiser has long been an environmentally conscious company, and has been privileged to be recognized as a Clean Corporate Citizen in the State of Michigan, a Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Member, and a Community Partner for Clean Streams,” said Harrison. “We believe that continuing our green initiatives in conjunction with the expansion of our facility is simply a reflection of our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.”