The article covers Apollo Optical Systems’ acquisition of Turning Point Tool in the Rochester region. This move brings tooling, mold design, and optical production under one roof, making Apollo a vertically integrated optics company.
The goal? Shorter lead times, lower costs, and better first-pass yields. By combining Turning Point’s plastic injection mold and CNC skills with Apollo’s experience in precision polymer optical parts, both companies keep things close to home across two Rochester-area facilities.
Strategic Acquisition Expands Precision Optics Capabilities in Rochester
Now that Apollo and Turning Point have joined forces, there’s a single, end-to-end fabrication platform for high-precision polymer optics. Apollo, based in West Henrietta, has about 50 employees, while Turning Point Tool adds a dozen more and decades of tooling and machining experience.
The deal keeps both companies’ sites and leadership teams intact. Plans include harmonizing quoting and rolling out integrated ERP systems to make operations smoother.
Vertical integration here isn’t just about owning more of the process. It means tighter feedback between design and manufacturing, quicker prototyping, and a steadier supply chain for medical, automotive, and industrial optics customers.
Turning Point’s custom plastic injection molds and CNC machining fit right in with Apollo’s skill in high-quality polymer optics. Customers get a more responsive supplier, with fewer handoffs and less chance for bottlenecks.
Vertical Integration: From Tooling to Optical Production
Turning Point brings mold design and precision machining, and Apollo brings optics expertise. Together, they offer a one-stop shop for tooling, molding, and optical component fabrication.
This setup aims to cut redesign cycles and speed up customers’ time to market.
• Faster development cycles
• Lower total cost of ownership
• More consistent high-precision polymer optics
- In-house tooling means less waiting on outside mold shops
- Engineering, manufacturing, and quality processes now work together
- Coordinated quoting and ERP integration help speed up order-to-delivery
Impact on Customers: Lead Times, Costs, and Time to Market
Customers can expect real efficiency gains and cost savings. The combined company should deliver shorter production cycles and lower logistics costs, especially for complex polymer optics that need tight tolerances.
Both companies keep their Rochester-area facilities, using shared strengths across the board.
With tooling and optical production now together, the team can cut down on redesigns and move qualification along faster. That means customers hit market milestones sooner—and with more confidence.
Operational Synergies and First-Pass Yield
The acquisition focuses on getting operations in sync, like unified quoting and integrated ERP systems. Customers get clearer lead times and more accurate pricing.
This integrated approach should bump up first-pass yield on complex polymer optics—key for industries where even tiny defects can mean expensive rework.
Workforce and Talent Pipeline
Apollo and Turning Point both know that long-term growth relies on skilled manufacturing talent. The Rochester region makes hiring a bit tricky, but both companies are putting workforce expansion and talent development at the top of the list.
- Investing in training and onboarding to grow the team
- Working with local institutions to build a stronger talent pipeline
- Connecting with the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association to reach skilled workers
- Teaming up with Monroe Community College for more apprenticeships and upskilling
Talent Pipeline Initiatives
Apollo and Turning Point are joining forces with local partners to tackle the regional talent gap. These efforts support current growth and help make Rochester a top spot for precision polymer optics and tooling innovation.
What’s Next for Apollo and Turning Point
The combined company has big plans for growth. They’re eyeing more capacity, better capabilities, and maybe even new locations outside Rochester.
Turning Point keeps its roots, but now gets a chance to invest in fancier machinery and upgraded facilities. That’s a win for them.
This deal gives the region’s precision manufacturing scene a boost. Customers who count on high-precision polymer optics and molded parts should see a more reliable supply chain, too.
Here is the source article for this story: New deal expands Apollo Optical Systems’ Rochester footprint