Newport Corp. has announced the acquisition of Unique Equipment Co., a Chandler, Ariz.-based systems integrator specializing in the use of robotics for the fiber optics and semiconductor industries. Unique Equipment's expertise in systems design and process problem solving will enhance Newport's next-generation assembly and test automation and materials handling solutions, said Newport.

"Unique's many years of experience in solving complex part handling and automation solutions is an important complement to the micro fiber alignment and attachment capabilities Newport has developed within our fiber optics assembly automation business," said Robert G. Deuster, Newport's chairman, president and CEO. "By combining the talents of Unique's professionals with the well-established leadership of our fiber optics division, we believe Newport's customers will now have access to the most experienced team in total automation solutions for the fiber optic component industry."

The acquisition will be registered as a pooling of interests and will be added to Newport's earnings for the current year.