OUR COMPANY

WHO IS 89 NORTH?

We’re bringing optical engineering know-how from the world’s greatest science labs, and putting it to use in pioneering ways across a wide range of industries.

Science

Fluorescence has facilitated the advance of human-kind’s understanding of the cellular world, developing a host of new tools and techniques which allow us to understand our world at a microscopic level, both at its surface and deep within it.

We, in combination with our partner company Chroma and the multiple European specialist firms we represent, have pioneered many of these tools, which is why we’ve become pre-eminent suppliers and active consultants to the world’s leading research institutions. 

Innovation

We’re now bringing these same transformational tools, techniques, and know-how to a diverse new set of industrial applications, from medical devices to semiconductors to the automotive industry.

We are applying optical engineering technologies, proven in elite research settings worldwide, to traditional industries.  We are transforming the ability of companies to measure, analyze and refine their products with light.

Future

We’re building unique and innovative OEM manufacturing solutions today that will transform a host of industries tomorrow…. and we’re just getting started.

We believe we can help you too. Let’s talk.

THE POWER OF PEOPLE

Pioneering engineering can’t happen without talented people.  And talented people work best when they’re supported by a culture that actively nurtures them.  That’s why we work so hard on this aspect of our company.  We’re honored that our efforts have been validated by earning B Corporation status, and by winning multiple “Best Places to Work” awards.  Won’t you consider working with us?

    • Meet Some of our Leaders

      We have a unique culture at 89 North that deeply values employee inputs and initiatives. That takes a special kind of leadership team, one that’s well versed in not only optical system engineering and applications, but in promoting employee-engaged growth. Collaboration across our organization is key to our success.

    • Janette Bombardier

      Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer

      Janette's one part leader, one part force of nature. Formerly an IBMer, she leads our engineering, technical, and manufacturing operations. How talented is she? Well, she was named Vermont Engineer of the Year in 2019. Responsibility finds her wherever she goes.  She serves on the Executive Board of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Committee of the VT State Workforce Investment Board, and is a Trustee of the VT State College System. To relax, she loves gardening, running, and being on the lake.

    • Scott Gibbs

      Operations Manager
      Scott is our Operations Manager, and he keeps things ticking flawlessly by putting to good use his 30+ years engineering, production, and management experience working with IBM / Global Foundries.  Outside of work, Scott enjoys playing golf, spending time on Lake Champlain, and spending quality time with his three grown children.

    • JULIE MARTIN

      VICE PRESIDENT

      Julie is a Mechanical Engineer by trade and has been with 89 North since our inception. She oversees all operational activities and steers our business development, product development, and program management efforts. Outside of work, Julie enjoys working out and can be found enjoying the great outdoors and Vermont's farm-to-table cuisine.

    • PATTY SHIRK

      Program Manager

      Patty brings her 25 years of semiconductor industry experience in engineering, project management and leadership to our operations. The result? Smoother and more professional work flows. Outside of work she stays busy investing in the community, where she serves on the Board of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and provides enthusiastic mentoring support for many up and coming professionals.

    • Meet some of our engineers

      Our engineering team has won industry recognition for their award-winning work. Steeped in the field of fluorescence microscopy, our engineers are increasingly deploying their skills across an ever wider field of use cases that range from high content imaging systems to industrial inspection equipment.

    • GLENN WILKINS

      Business Systems Analyst / Facilities and EHS Coordinator

      Glenn is a vital part of our product lifecycle management, quality systems, and ISO certifications processes, including product documentation and internal workflows. He also administers Windchill PLM and CAD Management and creates automated processes. Glenn is a devoted family man, loves home improvement projects, and is always looking to invent that Next Big Thing (no luck yet he says!).

    • Adam Lynch

      Electrical Engineer

      Adam puts to good use his aerospace engineering experience to refine our many production processes. His responsibilities include quality control, compliance testing as well as assisting with service support.

      Adam comes from a family of engineers and scientists, and a discussion of technology might crop up at family dinners. In his spare time, he enjoys tending to his vegetable garden and small farm animals. He also enjoys working on cars in his garage.

    • RYAN SAUER

      OPTICAL ENGINEER, QUAREP-LiMi

      Ryan is a talented Optical Engineer who drives the design, modeling, and prototyping of our optical systems. These optical systems will go on to be key components for upcoming products or may be used for internal tests. When not at work, Ryan loves getting out into nature, spending much of his time hiking and taking photos. Ryan is also a film fanatic, and stays up to date on all the latest films.

    • TIM AMBROSE

      SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

      Tim heads up our electronics design team and is our resident expert on the physics of laser diodes as they relate to the performance and development of 89 North products. He loves hiking, mountain biking, sailboat racing, and working out.

    • Meet some of our technicians

      Our technicians ensure quality control across all of our electro-opto-mechanical products and solutions. We measure tolerances in the nanometers microns in order to ensure we meet and exceed our build quality and delivery commitments and our dedicated technicians are the bedrock of our commitment to quality.

    • Benjamin Delibac

      Engineering Technician

      Ben is a biotech industry veteran who supports our quality control and R&D efforts. He loves snowboarding, hockey and nature.

    • GERRY BISSONNETTE

      MANUFACTURING & MATERIALS COORDINATOR

      Gerry is the man behind our Purchasing department and manages all manufacturing inventory. In addition to his organizational and operational expertise, Gerry is an avid mountain biker and a die-hard Red Sox fan.

    • TONY COTE

      MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN

      In addition to building product, Tony provides a vital link in the transition from design to production, informing design aspects as they relate to manufacturability and developing assembly processes. When not in the office, he can be found cooking up a mean BBQ, working in his yard, and playing music with friends.

    • Eric Blunt

      Assembly Technician

      Eric brings six years of experience in production and quality control to our OEM manufacturing projects. He's tech savvy, and enjoys live music of all kinds.

    • Meet some of our sales team

      Our sales team works with a diverse customer base that includes the world’s most advanced university scientists, medical equipment manufacturers, and even automakers. They have the skills to understand our clients' most complex needs and provide solutions that best fit the situation.

    • Melissa Glidewell

      Territory Manager

      Melissa is working with our clients, leveraging her many years experience in microscopy learned while at Applied Scientific Instrumentation. She's now helping a wide range of our end users, including OEMs, distributors, and resellers to reach their potential using our varied products and services.

      Melissa's passions include spending time with family, biking, gardening, reading sci-fi, and watching rocket launches. She's always on the lookout for the perfect LEDs for camping.

    • SEAN LIN

      Director of Sales

      Sean is a dedicated professional with over 15+ years experience in the biomedical and industrial microscopy industry. With Sean's expertise and his determination to find the right path, we can build it, fix it and / or improvise it -- Sean wants to work with you to find the best solution for your particular needs.

    • Annie Thomas

      Order Management Associate

      Annie facilitates sales orders, processes shipments, and is always ready to dive into any project to keep things running smoothly for our customers. When not in the office, Annie enjoys camping, riding her bike, hiking with her dog, and spending time with family. She is steadily achieving her dream of tending a menagerie of farm animals and hopes to be a pumpkin farmer. One of her goals: winning the 89 North chili cookoff!

    • Anna Fasoli

      Territory Manager
      Anna brings a broad scientific background and a passion for microscopy imaging to her role at 89 North. She helps both industry and academic customers navigate to the right solutions for their unique applications.

      Outside of work, Anna enjoys hiking with her dog, paddleboarding with friends, and growing veggies in her backyard. She keeps active with zumba and weightlifting, looking to balance her love of nature with the fitness to actively engage within it.

OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES

We believe in the power of individuals — and the firms in which they work — to make a difference in their communities and the broader world.
 
Our vision

Enable and promote innovation to create a healthier, more capable world.

OUR Mission

The objective is to be a world class supplier of high performing, high quality products. We strive to enrich the inquisitive nature of all who work with and for 89 North to contribute to the arc of technology. 

OUR VALUES

  • Commitment to excellence 

  • Trust and respect in all relationships

  • Care for our communities

Social partnership

We partner with organizations who align with our commitment to social responsibility.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

Efficiency Vermont

Vermont Environmental Consortium

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