Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide is one of the companies the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) reached out to in autumn 2020. The joint efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia resulted in the company’s decision to open a subsidiary in the city of Daugavpils. The projected production volume of the new production site is 40,000 units of optical devices per year. This also means 150 new jobs for the city.
Headquartered in Lithuania, the company produces thermal imaging optics and digital night and day vision devices for civil use. Having decided to expand its operations, Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide Group has established Pulsar Optics in Latvia to assemble the world-known thermal imaging devices of the Pulsar brand.
“Pulsar Optics’ decision to start operating in Latvia is a strong indicator of the competitiveness of Latvia’s business environment. In total, 17 Belarusian companies LIAA reached out to in a campaign last year have decided to relocate or expand their business to Latvia. We are also delighted that Pulsar Optics, among others, has chosen Daugavpils as a location for their business. This sends a positive message about the potential of Latvia’s regions,” - the Minister of Economics of Latvia Jānis Vitenbergs.
Establishing an ecosystem for photonics and smart materials has contributed to Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide entering the Latvian market. The ecosystem consists of several dozens of companies, including HansaMatrix, Groglass, CeramOptec, LightGuide International, RD Alfa Microelectronics and Eventech.
“Opening a subsidiary in Latvia is part of our long-term strategy. The market of thermal imaging devices is soaring over the last few years. This made us decide on increasing our production capacity. The reasons for choosing Latvia are the availability of talents and investment climate with good business potential,” says Director General of Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide Aliaksandr Alsheuski.
Pulsar and Yukon Advanced Worldwide Optics devices are popular among amateurs and professionals and are made using state-of-the-art technology. Last year, its products were exported to over 70 countries, 80% of which to the USA and Europe, its main markets.