In the five years since it acquired ATL Ultrasound Inc., Philips has maintained Bothell as its headquarters for ultrasound development and relocated other offices to the area.
Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics NV, one of the world’s largest companies, bought ATL in July 1998 to gain an immediate presence in the fast-growing ultrasound market.
ATL, which got its start in 1969, had a hold on 15 percent of the global market for ultrasound equipment and was a leader in digital technology when Philips bought it. Just before its acquisition, ATL spun off SonoSite Inc., the maker of hand-carried ultrasound devices in Bothell.
As part of its purchase agreement with ATL, Philips made Bothell its worldwide center for ultrasound. That status was reinforced when Philips bought Agilent’s ultrasound division in 2001 and subsequently moved most of the manufacturing from Agilent’s facility in Massachusetts to Bothell. Last year, Philips Medical Systems also relocated its North American sales force from Connecticut to Bothell.
Today, Philips employs about 1,700 people among its four-building campus along I-405 in Canyon Park. That puts it among the half-dozen largest private employers in Snohomish County.
When adding in Philips’ other divisions in the Puget Sound area, the company’s workforce totals about 2,700 people.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
