Sigray Inc. Expands Operations, Bringing Jobs to Benicia
Sigray Inc., a developer of high-precision X-ray microscopes, is relocating its operations from Concord to a larger facility in Benicia, California. This move is driven by the company’s rapid growth and will support its continued expansion. The new facility, a 64,000-square-foot building located at 5500 E. Second St., formerly housed Bio-Rad Laboratories.
The new Benicia facility gives us the space we need to bring our teams together and support our ambitious growth plans.
According to Jeff Gelb, director of X-ray microscopy, the company’s products are crucial for the semiconductor industry and the burgeoning green energy sector. The new facility, which is currently undergoing the transition from four buildings in Concord, is expected to be fully operational by early this month.
Technology’s Impact on Key Industries
Sigray’s high-precision X-ray microscopes play a vital role in various industries:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Critical for inspecting microchips to ensure quality and reliability.
- Green Energy: Used in developing next-generation batteries, fuel cells, and carbon capture technologies.
- Oil and Gas: Analyzing rock core samples to optimize petroleum extraction.
- Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Modeling the potential for storing carbon dioxide underground.
“We’re really at the intersection of some of the most important technological and environmental challenges facing the world today,” Gelb said. “Our move to Benicia positions us to be an even more active participant in these critical industries as they continue to evolve.”
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Sigray currently employs around 100 people and anticipates adding dozens of new highly skilled positions in the coming years. The relocation to Benicia aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability, with plans to integrate renewable energy sources into its operations. City Manager Mario Giuliani anticipates the move will be positive for the local economy and the city.
“It could be a triple crown win for Benicia,” Giuliani said.
Company History
The company’s cofounder, Wenbing Yun, earned his doctorate from State University of New York in 1986, had previous experience at Argonne National Labs. He founded Xradia in 2000, then founded Sigray with his daughter Sylvia Lewis in 2013, after Xradia was sold to Carl Zeiss.
Sigray and Carl Zeiss are currently involved in U.S. Patent Office and federal court disputes over X-ray microscope technology.
Eric Erickson and Curt Scheve of Colliers represented Sigray in the Benicia lease deal, while Tony Binswanger of CBRE represented the property owner.
