Ophir Optics increases lease with Ozzy Properties to 40,000 s/f

Ophir Optics, Inc., makers of infrared optical products for military uses and other applications, is expanding its facility at Osgood Landing by nearly 20% to 40,000 s/f and has increased its workforce by more than 50% since moving to Osgood Landing two years ago. "This is certainly very positive news for us," said Dennis Cope, president of Ophir Optics. "We've been fortunate to be in some good markets, which allows us to provide solid products for our customers while growing our workforce." Cope said the expansion is being driven largely by defense-related work orders. Ophir manufactures lenses and optical components for use in infrared optical systems, including night vision equipment used in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cope said Osgood Landing has the necessary infrastructure that allows the company to create critical products. "Osgood Landing has proven to be an ideal site for us because of its significant electrical capacity required to manufacture various infrared optical products," said Cope. In December 2007, Ophir Optics signed a multi-year lease with Ozzy Properties to occupy a 32,000 s/f space on the grounds of Osgood Landing. At that time, the company had 72 workers. The company also now employs 111 workers, a 54% increase. Ophir Optics' arrival marked the first tenant to occupy space in Bell Labs' research and development facility at the 1600 Osgood St. Cope anticipates occupying the entire first floor of that facility by end of February. Although the majority of Ophir's current customers are defense-related, there are a growing number of non-military uses such as homeland security, automotive night vision and industrial applications. Ozzy Properties president Orit Goldstein said Ophir's growth signals hope for other companies seeking to expand in the rebounding economy. In addition to Ophir's expansion, other companies at Osgood Landing have seen modest expansions recently. The main logistics center for Nexamp, Inc., a full service clean energy solutions company, and Panel Claw, Inc., which develops photovoltaic mounting solutions, have grown at the Osgood site. Osgood Landing, an office and manufacturing complex made up of nearly two million s/f, was formerly occupied by Lucent Technologies. Ozzy Properties acquired the half-century-old building in 2003 and continues to reconfigure it for multi-tenant use.