
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 20, 1994                   TAG: 9404200092
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ITT ADDS GOGGLES DIVISION

ITT Electro-Optical Products Division in Roanoke County said Tuesday it has formed a business unit, ITT Night Vision, to "handle the growing demand for night-vision technology in the commercial and law enforcement sectors."

The success of ITT's commercial products has helped prevent layoffs at the Plantation Road plant during a continuing decline in military orders for night-vision equipment, said Neil Gallagher, president of ITT Electro-Optical. ITT has "high hopes" for its commercial night-vision business, he said.

In January, ITT gave layoff notices to 40 salaried employees but canceled proposed layoffs for 80 hourly workers that were to be effective in July. The company has about 600 employees.

Demand for the ITT Night Mariner, a floating, water-resistant night-vision viewer for boaters, sport and commercial fishermen, helped create the need for the company's new commercial division.

The Night Mariner was introduced to the commercial market last fall, and sales have increased each month since then, Gallagher said. The Mariner sells for $2,395.

The Night Enforcer, which went on the market Feb. 1, will lead ITT's line of night viewers for law enforcement officers. The product will be more affordable than night-vision equipment ITT has sold to law enforcement agencies in the past.

by CNB