FLIR was founded in 1978, originally providing infrared imaging systems that were installed on vehicles for use in conducting energy audits. We later expanded our focus to other applications and markets for thermal imaging technology, such as stabilized thermal imaging cameras for law enforcement aircraft, radiometry devices for use in monitoring industrial systems, and thermal imaging systems for use in ground-based security and search and rescue. We have since grown substantially due to increasing demand for infrared products across a growing number of markets combined with the execution of a series of acquisitions. Today we are one of the world leaders in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness for a wide variety of users in the commercial, industrial, and government markets, internationally as well as domestically.

Our Commercial Systems business designs and manufactures products for use in a variety of emerging industrial and commercial markets where the primary requirements are to either see at night and in adverse conditions or to detect and measure minute temperature differences. These products are useful in a wide variety of commercial vision applications, such as commercial and infrastructure security, transportation safety and night vision, recreational boating, firefighting, and personal night vision; and thermography applications, such as predictive and preventative machinery maintenance, research and development, industrial test and measurement, gas and fluid leak detection, and scientific analysis. We also design, manufacture, and sell camera cores, readout integrated circuits, and other sub-components to OEMs in certain markets. We are particularly adept at serving these commercial markets with our vertically integrated operating model and our expansive distribution network, which allow us to continually reduce costs and open new markets.

Our Government Systems business is focused primarily on markets where very high performance situational awareness tools are required. We design, manufacture, and market thermal imaging and radar surveillance systems, chemical and explosive detection products, and turn-key integrated sensor solutions to governmental entities across the globe. Our customers benefit from the valuable information these portable and fixed systems provide in applications such as force protection, airborne and ground-based surveillance, search and rescue, law enforcement, perimeter security, border and maritime patrol, navigation safety, drug interdiction, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. Our Government Systems division derives its revenue from sales to government agencies and we are continuing to expand our military program business, both in the United States and internationally.