FLIR Company History

FLIR was established in 1978 to pioneer the development of high-performance, low-cost infrared (thermal) imaging systems for airborne applications. Thermal imaging systems detect the infrared energy (heat) that is emitted by all people, objects and materials. Infrared cameras allow the operator to see in total darkness, adverse weather and through such air pollutants as smoke and haze.

Toward the close of the 1980s, FLIR began to leverage its experience in infrared imaging technology to develop hand-held and laboratory systems for a variety of commercial applications that required not only superior image quality, but also the ability to detect and measure temperature differences. This effort accelerated with the acquisition of the industrial infrared imaging group from the Hughes Aircraft Co. in 1990.

The acquisition of Agema (Sweden) in 1998 and Inframetrics (Boston, MA) in mid-1999 has given FLIR an engineering team and a sales and support infrastructure that are unmatched, representing over 60 years of significant infrared camera development and thermography applications expertise. In 2003, FLIR acquired Indigo Systems, a leading developer and supplier of a wide range of infrared imaging products, including cooled and uncooled infrared detectors, camera cores and finished cameras. The fruits of these acquisitions have had an extremely positive impact resulting in FLIR's dominance in the commercial infrared camera market with more infrared cameras sold than any other manufacturer.

In 2007, FLIR acquired Extech Instruments based in the US. Extech is the major supplier of test and measurement equipment and portable receipt printers with operations in over 90 countries. In 2008, FLIR acquired the French company Cedip, specialized in R&D systems that are application-specific with a greater range of cooled detector combinations.

Currently, FLIR operates three manufacturing plants: two in the USA (Portland, OR and Boston, MA) and one in Stockholm, Sweden. Coupled with worldwide sales, marketing and service networks in over 60 countries, FLIR is ready to help you with your infrared needs.

Employees: 1,900 worldwide
Investor Resources: www.flir.com/investor/
Rankings: #37 on Forbes: 200 Best Small Companies
Revenue: $1.1B (2008)
Locations: FLIR conducts business in more than 100 countries around the globe