News

28 September 2010

 

Oclaro opens Design Center in Tucson’s ‘Optics Valley’

Optical component, module and subsystem maker Oclaro Inc of San Jose, CA, USA has opened its new Design Center in Oro Valley, near Tucson, Arizona (commonly referred to as ‘Optics Valley’).

The new center will provide global customers with specialized diode laser packaging designs, leveraging local optical expertise in the Tucson region as well as the workforce that joined Oclaro after its acquisition of the Tucson-based Newport Spectra Physics high-powered laser diode business in July 2009 through a strategic exchange of assets with Newport.

“The Tucson area is recognized as a hub of innovation for the optical industry,” says Scott Dunbar, general manager of Oclaro’s High Power Laser Diode portfolio. “Our new design center includes a strong local team with specialized design and packaging expertise. As a result, we expect the Tucson Design Center to contribute in Oclaro’s efforts to expand our customer relationships and innovative diode laser products,” he adds.

Oclaro claims that it hence now delivers the industry’s most expansive portfolio of high-powered laser diodes, while achieving lower costs and higher operating efficiencies through economies of scale, greater factory utilization and its assembly & test manufacturing capabilities in Asia. The Spectra Physics acquisition also expanded Oclaro’s customer base, which now includes top-tier customers in the medical and industrial markets and additional markets that are turning to lasers for new applications.

“Customers want to partner with a laser supplier that has the expertise they need to help get designs to market quickly and cost effectively,” says Yves LeMaitre, executive VP & division manager. “They also prefer a supplier who is not competing with them in their markets, thus ensuring there are no conflicts when it comes to supply and intellectual property,” he adds. “Our acquisition of Newport’s Spectra Physics line has been a win–win for both companies, and clearly highlights the tremendous advantages that vertically integrated companies can receive by outsourcing component design and manufacturing.”

To maximize cost savings and operational efficiencies, Oclaro has completed its consolidation of the former Tucson wafer fabrication facility into its fabs in Caswell, UK and Zurich, Switzerland. As part of Oclaro’s global manufacturing infrastructure, the acquired product lines can now leverage economies of scale and expertise to reach competitive cost targets on leading-edge technology and manufacturing processes, the firm reckons.

The new Tucson Design Center will initially employ about 30 staff, and is part of Oclaro’s Advanced Photonics Solutions Division (APS) as a Technology Center of Innovation for the firm's high-powered laser diode products. The APS Division is a growth engine for Oclaro, serving the diverse and fast-growing markets for laser diodes, such as lasers for medical procedures, materials processing, consumer electronics and printing.

See related items:

Oclaro reports record profitability on 44% revenue growth year-on-year

Oclaro grows margin for third consecutive quarter

Oclaro grows 10%, driving cash generation and investment

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