SOUTH BUFFALO TWP, Armstrong County — FLIR, a manufacturer of infrared detectors and systems, has chosen Northpointe in Slate Lick as the location for its Government Systems Pittsburgh operation.

The company recently bought the Northpointe Technology Center from the Armstrong County Industrial Development Council, according to a company news release.

The 30,000-square-foot building will allow for the consolidation of the company’s facilities and the streamlining of its engineering, manufacturing and assembly operations.

FLIR, which leases two facilities within six miles of Northpointe, employs 65 people locally.

Harry Beck, vice president and general manager of the operation, said FLIR acquired OmniTech Partners and its subsidiary, Optical Systems Technology (OSTI) in 2009.

Operating as a part of FLIR’s government systems division, OmniTech and OSTI now are known as FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh, focusing on weapon sights, handheld night vision viewers, and other high-performance systems for individual soldiers and force protection.

In the release, Beck said that the work force was one of the factors in the decision to remain here.

“FLIR is extremely proud of the quality craftsmanship and dedication exhibited by our employees.

“With corporate offices in Portland, Ore., and facilities located all over the country, we could have relocated anywhere, and honestly there were plenty of offers to do so; but the work force, combined with the diligence of the local elected officials and the Armstrong County IDC, made our decision much easier.”

Dennis Smail, chairman of the Armstrong County Industrial Development Council, in the release said that the sale of the facility was not initially considered when staff began assisting FLIR with the site search.

“Very few facilities met the design criteria needed by FLIR and it became apparent that this may have been the only facility available within the county, so to keep the jobs here, we agreed to sell.”