Photonics News 45

Dear Reader,

The past 15 months have brought many challenges and changes that none of us could have anticipated. We have had to find new and innovative ways to navigate through these unique circumstances. The global crisis made it necessary for both the world and our company to adapt to new business environments and continue to devise improved methods to move forward. 

One of the changes in early 2021 was the retirement of Gary Hayes, G.M. of Laser Components USA.  For the past 20 years Gary built Laser Components USA into a dynamic sales company with teams across the country.  Gary’s passion for photonics and his outgoing personality were driving forces in the growth of Laser Components, and the welcoming culture that he created.  We all wish Gary the best in his retirement.  

In early 2021, I was named the new G.M. Over the past 14 years, my team and I have supported the growth of the company focused on the APD, PLD, and IR product lines. My areas of expertise are in laser diodes, APDs, and IR components, as well as the application of these products in LiDAR technologies. I hold a BSME from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. I have over 30 years of experience in fiber optics and photonics, previously working for Corning Inc. and Schott AG.  

Tradition is paramount in our company and innovation remains key to our continued success. These traditions, along with being a global family run business, have been kept alive for over 20 years. Among the many goals that I have for Laser Components USA is to carry on and maintain this culture. With the United States slowly opening up as the COVID pandemic is coming under control, we see great potential. We look forward to resuming more normal corporate activities such as in-person customer visits, trade shows, and increased sales growth as the economy continues to expand.

While we have maintained close contact with our customers through video conferencing, nothing is more satisfying than sitting down with our customers face-to-face and working through new designs.  We stand ready with updated technologies in all areas of our business, as well as our continued commitment to producing high quality products, the ability to meet all of our customer’s needs, and delivering outstanding customer service.  

The future is bright, and I look forward to working with all of you.  

Yours,

Matt Robinson

General Manager / COO, Laser Components USA, Inc.