A brief history of Graticules Optics Ltd
Origins of our company can be traced back to the outbreak of World War I when the British Government assigned to Julius Rheinberg the task to develop and supply Target Graticules for their military supply. Julius Rheinberg was a member of the Royal Microscopy Society and was well known in optical circles as he developed many techniques and processes associated with microphotography. He invented a grainless photographic emulsion process to manufacture Graticules.
In 1946, Julius’ nephew, Leslie Rheinberg, took over the business as Graticules Limited (incorporated in 1948) and extended the range of products to offer a comprehensive range to diverse industries such as Microscopy, Optics, Education, Medicine/Research, etc.
Graticules Limited was then purchased in 1997 by Pyser-SGI. Pyser-SGI, a company producing specialised precision optical products since 1932 was comprised of two divisions Defence and Broadcast. Graticules Limited became the third division of Pyser-SGI, called Graticules.
In 2015 Pyser-SGI changed ownership and reshaped their branding and trading name to Pyser Optics Limited.
As of February 2019, SDI Group plc (formerly Scientific Digital Imaging plc) bought the Graticules Division of Pyser Optics, trading now under the new name Graticules Optics Limited.
SDI Group plc (formerly known as Scientific Digital Imaging plc) designs and manufactures scientific and technology products for use by the life science, healthcare, astronomy, consumer manufacturing and art conservation markets through the Synoptics brands (Syngene, Synbiosis and Synoptics Health), the Atik Cameras brand, Quantum Scientific Imaging, the Opus Instruments brand (Osiris), Sentek, Astles Control Systems, Applied Thermal Control, Fistreem International, Graticules Optics, MPB Industries, Chell Instruments, Monmouth Scientific, Thermal Exchange, Scientific Vacuum Systems and Uniform Engineering.
SDI continues to grow through its own technology advancements, as well as through pursuing strategic, complementary acquisitions.
1914
Julius Rheinberg, member of the RMS, started making graticules for the British Government
1946-1948
Julius' nephew, Leslie Rheinberg took over the business and incorporated the company Graticules Limited
1969
Graticules Limited moved from their London Laboratories to Tonbridge taking on additional space in 1976
1997
Graticules Limited was purchased by Pyser-SGI, a manufacture of specialised percision optical products since 1932. Graticules Limited bacame one of the three division of Pyser-SGI, Graticules Division.
2015
Pyser-SGI changed ownership and changed its trading name to Pyser Optics Ltd.
2019
Graticules Division of Pyser Optics was sold to SDI. The Graticules team is now trading as Graticules Optics Limited as an independent company.