Tilton, New Hampshire, USA – September 24, 2020 – Sealite USA LLC, a USA government-designated small business, has made a large investment in new staff, equipment, and building expansion following the award of a U.S. Air Force contract worth approximately $50m over five years.
The company, which serves the aviation industry under the Avlite brand and the marine industry under the Sealite brand, has secured a multi-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Air Force for Interim Expeditionary Airfield Lighting Systems (IEALS). To fulfill this contract, Avlite will supply
High Mobility Airfield Lighting Systems (HMALS). Each HMALS system consists of trailers that house portable solar LED airfield lighting for a 10,000ft runway. The system trailers are designed for flexible maneuvering, rapid deployment, and storage of Category 1 (CAT 1) approach and ground lighting.
The IEALS requirements triggered the execution of a planned growth strategy for the Tilton based company. Its workforce has increased by 25%, new capital equipment has been procured, and manufacturing space will double to 40,000 s.f. within the next 18 months. Added roles include engineering management, inventory control, assembly, logistics/shipping, and production. The company will also exercise its ability to build on an adjacent lot, purchased two years ago in anticipation of expanded manufacturing requirements.
Sealite USA has taken rigorous steps to minimize health risks for staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for the IEALS project delivery. The company ran split production shifts from March-August to reduce the staff numbers in the building at any one time. Customer service, sales, and marketing teams have been working remotely since March, all business travel has been curtailed, and only critical-need services are allowed in the building. Company President Tara Stewart commented, “Sealite’s priority has always been to ensure the safety and well-being of all our employees, but it is more important now than ever before. The IEALS project was awarded to Avlite after significant effort; it is a critical milestone for the business. Every person is an integral part of the team and the project’s success.”
Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been a vocal supporter for the U.S. Air Force gaining this critical capability, and the government’s small business initiatives that helped facilitate the acquisition of Avlite technology. Sen. Shaheen stated in a recent release, “Congrats to Avlite Systems! This $50 million contract will bolster the U.S. Air Force’s capabilities and create new jobs in Tilton. I was glad to welcome Avlite representatives at last year’s New Hampshire Business Day Luncheon and I will continue to support their success and that of all New Hampshire businesses.”
About Avlite
Avlite manufactures world-class, LED aviation lighting systems from the Sealite USA facility in Tilton,
New Hampshire. Avlite has a proven reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions designed for the defense, commercial and civil aviation markets. With a history of producing the most reliable solar LED aviation lighting systems in the world, Avlite holds a program of record approval for US Army and US DOD combat solar airfield lighting systems.
Sealite USA LLC, a USA government-designated small business, has a manufacturing and sales office in Tilton, New Hampshire USA. The company serves the marine industry under the Sealite brand name and the aviation industry under the Avlite brand name. It has product installations in more than 75 countries and a customer base of over 200 government agencies. Avlite and its industry partners work with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and civil aviation authorities to provide airfield lighting that meets or exceeds all global industry standards.
For inquiries throughout the Americas, contact Avlite at 61 Business Park Drive, Tilton, New Hampshire USA, phone +1 (603) 737 1311 or email: us*@av****.com. For global inquiries, contact Avlite at 11 Industrial Drive, Somerville, Victoria, 3912 Australia or phone +61 (0)3 5977 6128.
The simplicity of the self-contained light and the option to use a PALC leaves no doubt why they chose Avlite helipad lighting.
-Jorge de Dios
It is a great benefit to our community to have this [Avlite’s helipad lighting system] installed and commissioned at CareFlight’s Toowoomba base. Avlite’s particular type of lighting lends itself to a lot of applications given that it’s easy to install, doesn’t require electricity as its solar powered and can be remotely controlled. It’s a fabulous technology, obviously a world leading technology and from my point of view, it’s great to see an Australian Manufacturing success story.
-Cr Mike Williams
For an aerodrome operator to provide equivalent night-use runway standards for the RFDS and other fixed-base users at around one-third of the cost of a traditional mains-powered runway and taxiway lighting system, there has to be greater recognised merit for this (solar-powered) alternative especially in a location like ours where it is sunny most days of the year.
-Jenny Kox
Our industry appreciates the on-going support of this Australian owned and operated company whose solar powered airfield and helipad lighting systems assist in the improvement of safety for both fixed and rotary wing aeromedical flight crews and passengers around the country.
-Graeme Field
As the busiest Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) based in the State [of Queensland], the benefits [of Avlite’s helipad lighting] are many. Not only does it [the system] enhance the safety of our operations, it also helps us to continue to improve our level of service delivery to the community and to our customers.
-Ashley van de Velde
These lights [AV-70s] have been a great asset to many outback communities that previously we were not able to access 24/7.
-Alan Benn
Just to let you know the new airport floodlight has now been installed for several weeks and the medical staff and Power and Water staff [who look after the airport] agree it has made things much easier and safer for night-time medivacs. Your assistance with enabling us to have this basic but important infrastructure is much appreciated.
-Stephanie Fielder
Since starting our distributorship with Avlite, we have gone from strength to strength with the great range of solar products and of course the fantastic support of the Avlite staff. It’s been a good year for us. May it continue.
-Eddie Lacina
Re: Avlite AV70 taxiway lights, are working really well. Thank you for your assistance in getting our ramp up and running.
-Capt. US Air Force
-USAF
The lights are installed and are operating beautifully.
-Strathcona Airport
-Airport Staff
We did install all of the lights. We even used a few red lights as obstruction markers on top of 68 meter power line towers. I finally found a high quality camera and took some photos. I will send them to you as soon as I can download them. We submitted some additional light orders to our contracting office, so you can expect to receive a bit solicitation from them soon. The lights are working great and we appreciate the support.
-US ARMY
-Patricia Granger
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