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.

    • Newell Lessell

      Chief Executive Officer, Chroma

      Newell has over 25 years of experience in management and management consulting in a diverse range of industries from automotive to food products. He has overall responsibility for the business and ensuring that we meet our business objectives while holding true to our social values. A former professional mechanic, Newell loves to see things running smoothly. When not working Newell enjoys hiking, biking, and struggling to master classical guitar.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Brendan Gallivan

      Systems Engineer

      Brendan uses his 20 plus years of experience as he leads the technical aspects involved in the development and lifecycle stewardship of our products. He loves mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family.

    • Violet Nathan

      Quality Systems Engineer

      Violet works on various continuous improvement projects, providing quality leadership and coordination with our manufacturing and business teams. She's back in Vermont after having spent a decade in Colorado. Violet enjoys spending time with family, friends, chickens and her ducks!

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Corey Premo

      Assembly Technician

      Corey brings a decade of experience to assembling our LDI microscopy and OEM product lines. He's a fun loving person who is rock solid and dependable.

    • 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.

    • TOM LYMAN

      Assembly Technician

      Tom brings a passion to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Which serves him well as he works in the production assembly of our optical and mechanical components for light management and light source products. He resides in Chittenden County with his wife and golden retriever. Tom’s hobbies include riding his motorcycle and setting up and reviewing photos taken with his trail camera of local wildlife.

    • Sam Staab

      Assembly Technician

      Sam builds and tests our laser product line offerings. He's an upbeat and friendly presence who is a key part of our company's chemistry.

    • 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!

    • ANDREA MESSER

      OFFICE MANAGER & INSIDE SALES

      Andrea is the backbone of 89 North and has a hand in all areas of the operational side of the business: shipping, receiving, office management, customer service and product support. Chances are, if you call 89 North, Andrea's voice may be the voice greeting you. Outside of the office, Andrea is a Renaissance woman, referring to herself as a "little bit country, a little bit rock and roll."

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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