Keywords
Citation
(1998), "York Sensors acquired by USA-based IFR Inc", Sensor Review, Vol. 18 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.1998.08718bab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
York Sensors acquired by USA-based IFR Inc
York Sensors acquired by USA-based IFR Inc.
Keywords Fibre optics, IFR Systems Inc., Mergers and acquisitions, York Sensors
Fibre-optic sensor specialist, York Sensors, has been acquired by USA-based IFR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:IFRS), a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic test instruments for wireless and fibre optic communications, optical fibres avionics and general test and measurement applications.
President and chief executive officer of IFR Inc., Alfred Hunt III commented on the acquisition:
"York Sensors' DTS product line has technical synergy with our fibre optics division's advanced OTDR and signal processing core competencies, and opens new markets for the division in power cable management, oil well services, process control and fire protection."
York Sensors, based in Romsey, Hampshire, UK, developed the distributed temperature sensor (DTS) system in 1984. The system comprises one or more fibre optic sensors connected to an opto-electronics measurement unit, and works by sending a pulse of laser light down an optical fibre and measuring the changes in the properties of the light. The returning signal is translated into a detailed temperature profile that allows real-time monitoring of the environment along the fibre cable.
"We believe that this acquisition will undoubtedly strengthen the growth and development of our product", said Peter Orrell, marketing manager at York Sensors. "We envisage that sales of the DTS system will continue to expand in the petrochemical, process and power utility sectors, particularly in the US market."
IFR Systems Inc., based in Wichita, Kansas, USA, has subsidiaries in Beaverton and Oregon in the USA, and Chandlers Ford in the UK. Originally specialising in the manufacture and marketing of aircraft navigational instruments, IFR re-focused its business in the late 1960s on avionics test equipment. In less than 30 years IFR has expanded its product line to include wireless and general test and measurement equipment.
For further information please contact: Peter Orrell, York Sensors Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 01794 526600, or Jean Maxwell, Citigate Technology, Tel: +44 (0) 0171 336 6181.