Briefly in Business: Ithaca's EMF marks 75th year

Evaporated Metal Films Inc. of Ithaca is marking its 75th anniversary Thursday.

The firm, now named EMF, was founded in 1936 and was the first company in the United States to provide evaporated metal thin film coatings. Throughout the years, EMF continued to expand its business and coating capabilities. A 44,000-square foot facility was built in 1987 on Cherry Street to better accommodate the growing company. The firm had previously operated on Ithaca's Spencer Road.

In 2006, EMF was purchased by Dynasil Corporation of America. Dynasil is a manufacturer of photonic products including optical materials, components, coatings and specialized instruments.

Today, a management team led by Paul M Schulz directs EMF's Ithaca operations. The company provides thin-film coatings for a broad range of applications, including display systems, instrumentation, satellite communications and lighting.

EMF will be welcomed to the Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Carolyn Peterson and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.