Dec 20 2012
The Utah Manufacturers Association honored Ophir-Spiricon, global leader in precision laser measurement equipment and a Newport Corporation brand, as Utah Manufacturer of the Year.
(left to right) From Ophir-Spiricon: Paul Harbath, Quality Manager and Innovation Leader; Gary Wagner, General Manager Photonics (U.S.); Dell Olsen, Customer Service Manager; Mike Jensen, Director of Operations; Chris Van Dam, Materials Manager.
The award was presented to Gary Wagner, President of Ophir-Spiricon, at the Association's Annual Banquet in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"We recognize manufacturing companies in the state for outstanding performance in operational performance and best practices, economic achievement, workplace safety, community and state involvement, public outreach, and fidelity to the principles of free enterprise," said Todd Bingham, President, Utah Manufacturers Association. "These companies demonstrate areas of expertise and outstanding business practices in their individual industry subsectors as well as demonstrating this to the general business community."
"We are humbled by this honor," said Gary Wagner, General Manager, Ophir Photonics (U.S.). "Our dedication to Continuous Improvement and Lean principles has led to our best performance ever, even in the midst of the worst recession in the laser measurement industry. Over the last four years, Ophir-Spiricon has averaged more than 10% growth per year and an average increase in profits of 30% per employee."
Wagner continued, "Our focus is on customer service, quality, and idea generation. We work closely with the UMA, Cache Chamber of Commerce, Utah State University, Bridgerland Applied Technology College, and local charities. We continually strive for excellent as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification, work toward ISO 17025 accreditation, and preparation for the Shingo Prize competition in 2013."
Most major laser manufacturers rely on Ophir-Spiricon's modular, customizable laser measurement solutions. The company was founded in 1978 by Dr. Carlos Roundy, a Logan, UT, native who received his BS in Physics from Utah State University. Dr. Roundy went on to get his PhD from Stanford and work for Bell Labs. While at Bell Labs, he invented a way to make 2D images from heat; this is now known as a pyroelectric infrared camera. Today, Ophir-Spiricon develops the technology that is behind many of today's laser-based innovations, from eye surgery to industrial welding to military guidance systems.