Fiber optics distributor Fiber Optic Center (FOC) Inc. has appointed Larry Donalds to its business development, fiber design and manufacturing and technical sales team. Donalds brings more than 35 years of experience from 3M Co. after recently retiring. He spent 24 years in the development and manufacture of specialty optical fiber, helping 3M design and produce fibers to meet specific customer applications and performance criteria. Projects included the development and production of erbium-doped fiber amplifier fiber, radiation-hardened fiber for gyroscopes, solution doping of preforms, patent development for oxyfluoride erbium fiber, organometallic rare earth deposition and a rare earth single mode fiber bend and position sensor. During that time, Donalds maintained and operated modified chemical vapor deposition equipment from SG Controls of Cambridge, England, which FOC has represented in North America for over 25 years. “FOC offers unique technical support from individuals with the hard experience and years of effort that translate into value for our customers,” said Ben Waite, CEO and president of FOC. “Larry has established himself, in the specialty fiber world, as someone who is both creative and gets the job done. Several companies have already expressed an interest in meeting with Larry and taking advantage of his knowledge and approach to problem solving. He is a strong addition to our technical staff.” FOC is a distributor of fiber optic components, equipment and supplies.