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FEATURE ELECTRONICS UPDATE While the rest of the world is seemingly in contraction mode, and positive fore- casts regarding the maritime industry are few and far between, one marine elec- tronics major is in expansion mode, planting the seeds now and perhaps rais- ing the flag for the inevitable rebound to come.Raytheon Anschütz announced last month that it is expanding its presence in the U.S. navigation systems market with the opening of its San Diego, Calif.-based operations in January 2012. FrankChristophersen, US Vice President Sales, was tapped to lead the effort, and in talk- ing with Maritime Reporter he explained. ?The timing is interesting, because theeconomy is not so great, and the industryis down,? Christophersen said. ?From our perspective, it?s the best time to set this up, to prepare and get strong for whentimes get better.? ?Raytheon of course has some militaryproducts and is already serving the U.S.Navy. There is a lot of synergy with what Raytheon is doing, and with Anschütz commercial business,? Christophersen added. ?The Military and the CoastGuard is moving toward a more ?off-the- shelf? approach. On the commercial sideof the business is, of course, the U.S. based shipowners that are building over- seas. Even though the ships are being built overseas, the decisions are made here, the specifications are made here. And then, of course, after they are deliv- ered, they often call on the U.S.? The business area will be co-located at Raytheon?s established facility, dedicated to the development and delivery of naval and maritime systems and technology, giving the expanded company a deep pool from which to draw talent. In addi- tion, though, Christophersen did admitthat there are plans to expand with addi- tional personnel.With the new office, Raytheon An- schütz focuses its capabilities in provid- ing navigation systems and customer support to the U.S. maritime industry. The U.S. office will promote the full port- folio of Raytheon Anschütz?s navigation components and solutions, includinggyro compasses, autopilots and steeringcontrols, radars, ECDIS and complete in-tegrated bridge systems for both, new and retrofit projects. ?The office will become America?s new center of navigation excellence, provid- ing the full scope of navigation technol- ogy and best-in-class service and supportfor shipyards and ship owners,? said Christophersen. ?We used to be repre- sented in the U.S. by a distributor. From a company perspective, it just didn?t make any sense.? Backed by Raytheon?s infrastructure, Raytheon Anschütz?s U.S. operation is 20Maritime Reporter & Engineering News Raytheon Anschütz Expands in the U.S.MR Feb.12 # 3 (18-25):MR Template 2/6/2012 12:36 PM Page 20