Ocean Optics - a Halma PR news blog

New distributor headed up by former company president

Dunedin, Florida (October 12, 2007) – Ocean Optics, Inc. has appointed SpectrEcology, LLC as a distributor of its line of miniature spectrometers, fiber optics, chemical sensors and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems.  SpectrEcology was formed by Mike Morris, former president and founder of Ocean Optics, and will provide engineering and support services to introduce Ocean Optics’ technologies into new market areas.

SpectrEcology will focus on clients who need assistance with field science applications, in-situ or environmental applications such as heavy metals detection, oxygen and pH measurements, natural coloration and color vision, ultra fast laser characterization and radiometric measurements.  Spectrometer use is increasing in a wide variety of applications from agriculture to consumer product manufacturing lines.  SpectrEcology will provide customers with hands on expertise in incorporating this technology into their operations.

SpectrEcology founder Mike Morris has more than 20 years of experience developing oceanographic instrumentation.  Morris founded pHish Doctor, Inc. in 1988 to manufacture and distribute pH sensors for aquariums.  In 1989, he founded Ocean Optics and was awarded two Small Business Innovation Research grants that led to the development of the world’s first miniature spectrometer.  Since its inception, Ocean Optics has sold nearly 100,000 spectrometers and has developed over 1,500 new products.  In 2004, Ocean Optics was sold to Halma, plc a U.K.-based public company.

For more information, visit www.SpectrEcology.com, or contact SpectrEcology, LLC at 727.230.1697 or info@SpectrEcology.com.

Rob Randelman takes helm at Dunedin-based photonics manufacturer

Dunedin, Florida (October 5, 2007) – Ocean Optics, leading spectroscopy and photonic instruments manufacturer, has promoted Rob Randelman, Ph.D. to the position of company President.  Randelman’s appointment follows the move of former President and company founder, Mike Morris, to the position of Vice Chairman for the company.

Randelman joined Ocean Optics in 2006 as Vice President, Sales & Marketing and has been instrumental in driving the company’s continued sales and profit growth.  He has directed the expansion of the company’s geographic presence, which included the establishment of a full sales and service facility based in Shanghai, China. 

Prior to Ocean Optics, Randelman served as Director of secure electronic payment technology company, VeriFone, where he directed a $40M services division.  His career also included management stints with Hewlett Packard and Exxon.  Before progressing to industrial management positions, Randelman worked in miniature fiber optic sensor and spectrometer research.  He earned Doctorate and Master of Science in Engineering degrees in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pa.) and dual undergraduate degrees in Physics and Chemistry from Ursinus College (Collegeville, Pa.).

“Having been on both the academic side and the technology management side during my career, I feel like I bring a unique perspective to Ocean Optics,” said Randelman.  “I’m looking forward to using that experience to help the company continue on its successful track and look for ways to better serve our end users.”