Today, Fairchild Imaging began operations as a new company. As a part of Fairchild Imaging’s birthright, we start with over 25 years direct experience in electronic imaging and over 45 years experience in semiconductor research and manufacturing. Fairchild Imaging is the direct descendant of the original Fairchild Companies, through its successive owner companies, Schlumberger, Weston, Loral, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. Most recently we were known as BAE Systems Imaging Sensors. As a component of those companies, Fairchild Imaging created an enduring legacy. Our employees developed solid state focal planes, CCD and CMOS, during the late 1960s and early 1970s. We brought CCD technology to a commercial reality in 1973 and have continuously developed and improved the technology for 28 years.

We also introduced electronic imaging to virtually every industry, including the following: defense, space, research, entertainment, mail and package distribution, manufacturing, medicine, dentistry, commercial photography, printing and publishing, and food processing. No other company can claim experience that is more extensive, more varied or more successful. Our devices have been to the bottom of the ocean and to the ends of our solar system. Our focal planes on the Hubble Space Telescope have imaged the largest objects in the universe, far galaxies that are measured in millions of light years, while other focal planes have brought images of individual atoms in a molecule. For 28 years, our devices have served the purposes, requirements and desires of mankind, from the diagnosis of dread diseases to the defense of freedom.

The new ownership and the management of Fairchild Imaging recognize that they are the inheritors of a noble and glorious heritage. They have brought the new company, Fairchild Imaging, out of the custodianship of BAE Systems specifically to pursue the opportunities that were not aligned with BAE’s core defense business but are ideally suited to our unique capabilities, facilities and experience. Fairchild Imaging, its employees, suppliers and customers are grateful for the support that has been provided by each of its prior owners, and we look back fondly on the mutually beneficial relationships that continue to this day with those companies. Nevertheless, we are very excited about our future. It is a future that will bring invention, discovery, accomplishment, and pride from our employees, customers, suppliers and community.

In the coming days, weeks and months, you will see some changes as we remodel our facilities and infrastructure. One thing will not change. We are absolutely committed to the purpose of developing, manufacturing and reliably delivering the world’s premier focal planes and electronic imaging instruments.

Sincerely,

William H. Walker
Vice President, Sales & Marketing