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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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!

    • EVAN OLSON

      Mechanical Engineer

      Evan puts his 10 years of product development experience to work for us in supervising the mechanical aspects of product design, validation and engineering. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, and lacing up his skates to play hockey.

    • 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.

    • SAM STATS

      PRODUCT ENGINEER, QUAREP-LiMi

      Sam is a jack-of-all trades Engineer. He manages all parts of our LDI product line life cycle, from design, calibration, and production to quality testing and customer support. He's also a core member of our product development team. Outside of work, Sam enjoys being outdoors, cooking, woodworking, and spending time with friends and family.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

ASK AN ENGINEER

Our experts can help you build a custom solution.        

EMAIL US

LET'S GET STARTED

We can walk you through our process and provide an estimate.

EMAIL US

NEWS & EVENTS