Applied Image Inc. banks on solid reputation for taking on optics projects others won’t

Leaders at Applied Image Inc. say the firm has found success taking on projects other companies won’t.

Manufacturers from a variety of sectors — ranging from health care to gaming — have turned to Applied Image when other suppliers could not meet their specifications for custom precision optical components, said Glenn Jackling, the company’s president, CEO and owner.

“We often do the jobs that other companies say can’t be done or they won’t do,” he said.

Founded in 1978, Applied Image is a global manufacturer and supplier of precision imaged optical components and calibration standards for a range of industries and applications.

Over the years, the company has built an extensive catalog of standard products for various markets and applications.

In addition, Applied Image has become well known for its ability to manufacture high-quality custom precision imaged products on materials including glass substrates, paper and film.

Roughly 30 percent of the business comes from international customers, including those in Italy and Australia.

Its technologies are even in space.

The company was selected by NASA to manufacture the camera systems’ calibration targets used on two of the Mars rovers and the International Space Station.

Jackling said Applied Image customers are found in high-tech industries, including aerospace, defense, machine vision, medical devices and bar code and calibration standards.

“Our customer list is the who’s who of this technological innovation going on around the world,” he said.

Jackling — who purchased the company from its founder, Bruno Glavich, in early 2022 — has made some $1 million in capital expenditures over the past few years, mainly with new equipment to boost its advanced manufacturing capabilities and improve efficiencies.

Also, Jackling took ownership of the building that houses Applied Image on East Main Street in Rochester and has made physical improvements to the site.

He joined the business in 2014 after working with Glavich on a consulting basis for another firm.

In an effort to give Jackling a solid foundation of understanding about Applied Image, Glavich had him spend about three months working in every area of the business at the onset before stepping into the role of president.

A mechanical engineer who started his career at Eastman Kodak Co., Jackling is no stranger to running small- to mid-sized businesses in the Rochester area, holding leadership roles at companies including Newtex and Allen-Bailey Tag & Label.

He enjoys working in the space — and having the opportunity to make an imprint on a recognized brand — and is looking to use his experience in the sector to grow Applied Image.

Applied Image grew about 12 percent in 2022, but macroeconomic conditions — from geopolitical issues to rising interest rates and fears of a recession — led to challenges for the business in 2023, he said.

Jackling anticipates 2024 will be a rebuilding year for the 26-person firm, adding he feels bullish about its prospects, due largely to the recent investments in technology as well as the company’s solid reputation in the industry.

He said Applied Image is also committed to Rochester and developing its local workforce.

The business — located across the street from East High School — works with East High’s Precision Optics program to help qualify students fill the company’s optical manufacturing jobs when they graduate.

Applied Image has hired East High graduates for positions, including quality inspection and calibration, glass finishing, assembly and macro lithography.

There is also an emphasis on staying on top of innovative technologies and finding new applications for existing technologies, Jackling said, noting that Applied Image’s advisory board includes experts in imaging and nanotechnology.

Darren Dixon, Applied Image’s sales manager, said a continuing focus at the firm is on exceeding customer expectations and continuing to grow the business.

“We aren’t just looking to get the job done,” he said. “We are looking to add capacity for the future.”

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021