Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc., a world leader in spectrographic instrumentation and applied holographic technology, today announced its upcoming groundbreaking ceremony that will formally mark the expansion of its headquarters in Ann Arbor. Scheduled for completion in December 2016, the two-story manufacturing facility is expected to be fully operational by June 2017.
Upon completion, the new manufacturing facility will be 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 Ph.D. professional. Further demonstrating the company’s commitment to the community, local contractors, suppliers, and laborers will be utilized whenever possible during the construction phase.
The expansion of our facilities in Ann Arbor is an exciting chapter in the Kaiser story. The new facility will be the core of Kaiser Raman manufacturing.
Tim Harrison, President & CEO of Kaiser
Kaiser core competency is in Raman spectroscopy, a technique that utilizes 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 high quality standards our customers expect. 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.
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. 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.
Harrison
Community dignitaries expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony are Scio Township Supervisor E. Spaulding Clark and Washtenaw County Commissioner Kent Martinez-Kratz. Representatives from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce are also expected to be in attendance.