SEPTEMBER 30--The Analogic Corp. (Peabody, MA; www.analogic.com) new, state-of-the-art computed-tomography (CT) manufacturing facility in Haverhill, MA, is ramping up production of its EXplosive Assessment Computed Tomography (EXACT) systems to help meet the range of security detection needs of the US government. The EXACT is a dual-energy, helical-cone-beam, 24-slice CT scanner. It can generate data for full three-dimensional (3-D) images of every object in a bag. The EXACT is the "heart" of the L-3 Communications eXaminer 3DX0 6000, the first second-generation explosives-detection system (EDS) certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The eXaminer is being purchased by the government for installation at major US airports to scan checked luggage.
Transformation of the 200,000-sq ft building began in late April. The new space was acquired to quickly ramp up EXACT production after receiving a major order from L-3 on April 3, 2002. With a concentrated effort by Analogic employees and contractors, the new facility was designed and implemented in less than four months and is now fully functioning. EXACT production was transferred from the Peabody facility to the Haverhill factory in late July.
The lease and redesign of the Haverhill facility was largely paid for with ramp-up funds from the US government. Believed to be the nation's largest CT manufacturing facility, the site provides the locus for the manufacture, repair, and overhaul of security imaging equipment. It stands ready to be used as a center of activity by the Transportation Security Administration to meet the growing security needs in the USA.
Analogic is also planning to begin production of two different models of ARGUS EDS units in Haverhill later this year. The ARGUS systems are designed to meet the needs of smaller, regional airports, providing the same high level of reliability as the larger EDS machines with a lower throughput rate and at an appropriately lower cost.
