Instruments > Press Releases > February 6, 2009

Extech Instruments' Parent Company, FLIR Systems, named to Boston Globe 100's Top Places to Work

Waltham, MA (February 6, 2009) -- Extech Instruments, (www.extech.com), a major supplier of test and measurement equipment for the industrial marketplace, announces that its parent company, FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR), has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the debut of the employee-based survey project, the Boston Globe 100's Top Places to Work. The report can be found online at www.boston.com/topworkplaces.

Produced by the same team that compiles the 21-year-old Globe 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Massachusetts, the Top Places to Work recognizes the most progressive companies in the state based on employee opinions about company leadership, compensation and training, diversity/inclusion, career development, family-friendly flexibility, and values and ethics. Private companies and nonprofits as well as publicly-held businesses were included in the analysis.

The rankings in the Globe 100's Top Places to Work are based on survey information collected by Workplace Dynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention, from 120,000 employees at about 600 Massachusetts organizations. This marks the first time that a Globe 100 report honors private as well as publicly-held organizations.

FLIR Systems was ranked 52nd on the overall list and was also listed 18th among mid-size companies.

"Since 1971, Extech has worked hard to cultivate an environment where employees are valued and feel a direct connection to our success," said Jerry Blakely, general manager of the Extech subsidiary. "FLIR's top ranking in this survey is especially important given that FLIR employees themselves enthusiastically endorsed our work culture."

The publisher of The Boston Globe Steve Ainsley stated, "All the companies included in the Globe 100's Top Places to Work deserve a great deal of recognition. It's clear that they value their employees and make it a priority to create a positive workplace."

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with local offices in Billerica and Waltham, Massachusetts, FLIR is the world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of thermal imaging camera systems. With the acquisition, Extech's product portfolio has increased, adding affordable and powerful infrared (IR) cameras with FLIR technology such as the $2995 Extech i5 to the company's 15 product categories. Known for its innovative approach to product development, Extech has made extensive use of IR technology for testing and measurement. Extech holds five patents incorporating IR into measurement instruments.

In turn, the addition of Extech has enabled FLIR to access key distribution channels in the United States for its expanding line of best-in-class, entry-to-pro level infrared cameras. By increasing distribution of more affordable infrared cameras, this partnership has tangibly contributed to FLIR's overall goal of "Infrared Everywhere."

To qualify for the Globe 100's Top Places to Work, a company must have more than 100 employees in Massachusetts. Nearly 600 qualified companies accepted an invitation to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

About Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company
Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, Extech Instruments is one of the largest suppliers of test and measurement equipment worldwide. Founded in 1971, Extech is known for its depth and breadth of products and its innovation in providing instruments with unique combinations of features that make them highly useful and very convenient. All Extech meters are distributed worldwide through leading representatives, distributors and OEMs. The company is ISO 9001 2000 certified and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FLIR Systems, Inc.

Contact:
André Rebelo
Global PR Manager
Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company
781-434-3901
andre.rebelo@flir.com