business profile
David. ‘It’s been a part of Opco from day one, and it’s something we place a lot of value on as far as our customer relationships are concerned. Here, we also offer customers the opportunity to modify an optic they might have found in a catalogue, and give it a different shape or a different coating in order for it to meet their needs. We can also react if the customer finds their business changing, in that we can help modify their existing optical elements to enable them to adapt to that change. We are proactive as well, as we continuously invest in capital equipment and expand the range of processes and services we offer. In recent years, for example, we’ve added several box coaters and ion assist e-beam deposition, and most recently, a 45-inch box coater dedicated to IR-FIR coatings, and a new optical comparator to further enhance our metrology department. We continue to add to our significant inventory of test plates, and make them available to anyone for designing optical systems. To better serve our customers, and meet their demands for fast deliveries, Opco now maintains an extensive inventory of speciality optical glass.’ Alongside services, a large part
of Opco’s business is in providing custom optics to OEMs. These will mostly be optics that are unique in design, with a unique shape or specification. ‘We’re certainly not a catalogue company,’ says David. Volumes range from one-offs, up to 1,000 units per month, depending on the specification. Once a special optic has been developed as a prototype by Opco, and after testing and approval, the customer typically returns to order production volumes. Opco Laboratory is based in
Fitchburg, Massachussetts, and employs 23 people. Although Opco’s business has traditionally come from the New England area, it also has customers throughout the US, and in recent years it has expanded its global market place for high precision custom optics to include China, Singapore, Korea, Australia, Europe, and Israel. This expansion is largely
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because of Opco’s ability to provide customised, complex and unique optics, electro optical assemblies, and coating services, within a very fast turnaround time. ‘We see replication as our USP
here,’ says David. ‘We don’t intend to compete globally for standard commercial coatings and fabrication business, but replication is not a common process. Opco’s proprietary
replication process is considered the best in the industry, and we believe that we can compete with anyone around the world. Our capability is used in many industrial, scientific and analytical applications, critical defence, security, and medical applications, and has contributed to Nasa’s exploration of space.’ ‘Personal service is very important for us,’ concludes David, ‘as is
attention to detail. We are very sensitive to the customer’s needs, and this adds value for the customer. Our relationship goes beyond price, to a commitment to provide a quick response to enquiries, problem solving, and fast delivery times. Also, our in-house capability to provide fabrication, coating and assembly – makes what we do very appealing to many customers.’ l
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