8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

January 31, 2005

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

0-6866	04-2423640
(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Mansfield Corporate Center
Nine Hampshire Street
Mansfield, Massachusetts	02048-9171
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(508) 337-5500
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

(b)  On February 3, 2005, Helix Technology Corporation (the "Company") announced that Jay Zager, the Company's principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, has decided to resign, effective February 28, 2005, in order to pursue another career opportunity. Until that time, Mr. Zager will continue as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and assist in transition matters. Mr. Zager made his decision known to the Company on January 31, 2005.

(c)  Effective February 28, 2005, Paul Kawa, the Company's current Corporate Controller, will serve as the Interim Chief Financial Officer.

The Company's press release dated February 3, 2005, is attached herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c) Exhibits

99.1 Press Release dated February 3, 2005.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:  February 3, 2005	By:  /s/James Gentilcore
	James Gentilcore
	President and
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-99.1

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:  Beverly L. Couturier
(508) 337-5111

HELIX TECHNOLOGY CFO TO STEP DOWN

MANSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, February 3, 2005... Helix Technology Corporation (Nasdaq: HELX) today announced that Jay Zager, its Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will step down at the end of February 2005 in order to pursue another career opportunity. Until that time, Mr. Zager will continue to serve in his current position and assist in transition matters.

James Gentilcore, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, said, "We congratulate Jay on his new endeavor and thank him for his three years of service to Helix. During that time, Jay has made significant contributions to our business and financial strategy and has helped further strengthen our internal finance organization."

Effective at the end of February, Paul Kawa, the Company's current Corporate Controller, will serve as the Company's interim CFO, while the Company conducts an executive search for a permanent CFO.

On January 28, 2005, Helix announced its earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year 2004 and currently expects to file its Form 10-K for 2004 in late February.

Helix Technology Corporation is a global leader in the development and application of innovative solutions in the field of vacuum technology. Our CTI-Cryogenics and Granville-Phillips product offerings provide a broad range of components and subsystems that are key to the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays and data storage devices. In addition, our highly regarded Global Support activity provides critical ongoing operational support services to semiconductor device producers throughout the world.