MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., August 12 -- Spectra-Physics has expanded its operations in China with a new subsidiary for sales, service and support from its Beijing headquarters. The company said it will use the subsidiary to better penetrate the Chinese market for laser systems and photonic components and OEM sub-systems. The new Beijing facility will offer laser spares and photonic components, and a satellite operation in Shanghai will focus on the industrial market. Leading the launch of Spectra-Physics China is Baining Liu, Spectra-Physics China operations director. Guy Broadbent, president of Spectra-Physics, said, "We see China as an important, fast-growing market for products across the entire expanded Spectra-Physics brand, from simple optics and photonic components to high-performance laser systems." He said Spectra-Physics was the first US-based photonics company to set up a local service center in China, in 1984, which allowed it to gain a strong position in the scientific and research markets. "Setting up a fully integrated and self-contained operation enables us to expand our attention to the growing industrial and commercial markets, where local support and fast service and repair turnaround are particularly critical," he added. For more information, visit: www.spectra-physics.com