Sealite USA To Expand Building, Add Personnel Following Award of U.S. Air Force Contract

Sealite USA To Expand Building, Add Personnel Following Award of U.S. Air Force Contract

Sealite USA To Expand Building, Add Personnel Following Award of U.S. Air Force Contract

Sealite USA To Expand Building, Add Personnel Following Award of U.S. Air Force Contract

By:Roxie Crosby | September 25, 2020

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.