Lasers might seem like the obsessions of Star Wars geeks and
physics nerds, but they're becoming a bigger part of life in Ann Arbor now that IMRA America is expanding its facilities.
The fiber laser firm is adding 20,000 square feet of
research-and-development space to its campus on Woodbridge Avenue off Dixboro Road north of Geddes Road and just east of the city
limits. It also expects to add 20 more jobs to its staff of 60.
"We've been doing laser research for quite a number of
years," says Dennis Hawley, manager of IMRA's America's campus. "There is a
need for more room to focus on application research."
He expects construction to begin later this year when Ann Arbor Township (which approved a tax abatement
for the project) approves plans for it. Work should be done early next year.
The company will for LEED certification (the gold star for
environmentally friendly building) for the expansion. IMRA America has had a
research and development campus in the Ann
Arbor area since the early 1990s.
Source: Dennis Hawley, manager of IMRA America's Ann Arbor campus
Writer: Jon Zemke
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