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 parent 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.Â
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. Â 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. Â 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.
-
PATTY SHIRK
Program Manager
Patty has recently joined us, bringing 25 years of industry experience in engineering, operations, project management and leadership in the semiconductor industry. She's also a great community booster, serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross (Northern New England Region), speaking regularly at Society of Women Engineers regional and national conferences, and providing mentoring support for a host of STEM 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. -
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.
-
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
MARK LAPLANTE
SENIOR STAFF ENGINEER
Mark is a principle Mechanical Product Design Engineer with over 35 years experience in the equipment/product design and development field (he holds over 50 U.S. and foreign patents). Outside of work, Mark's an avid distance cyclist, owns and repairs pinball machines, and loves to spend warm sunny days on the lake with his wife.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
-
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.
-
BOB TRECROCE
TERRITORY MANAGER
Bob provides a crucial link between our sales and tech support teams to our customers. His passion for solving problems is unmatched. His upbeat personality is sure to put a smile on your face if you're fortunate enough to work with him.
-
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."
-
CHRIS ANDERSON
TERRITORY MANAGER
Chris, an Electrical Engineer, manages sales with distributors, direct sales within the eastern US, and expertly troubleshoots technical assistance with difficult applications. A father of two, Chris enjoys science fiction and has strong opinions about why chunky peanut butter is better than creamy.
-
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.
-
OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
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.Â
OUR VALUES
Commitment to excellenceÂ
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.    Â
LET'S GET STARTED
We can walk you through our process and provide an estimate.
News & Events
89 North Welcomes Evan Olson, Mechanical Engineer!
Help us welcome Evan Olson, who has joined us as a Mechanical [...]
89 North, Chroma Technology, and Crest Optics Team Up to Launch Spinning Disk Confocal Packages
We're excited to announce that we've just launched a suite of four [...]
89 North Welcomes Adam Lynch as an Electrical Engineer!
Help us welcome Adam Lynch, who has joined us as an Electrical [...]