Date: 29/09/2010

Oclaro opens new design center for diode laser packaging designs

Oclaro, Inc. is opening a new design center in Oro Valley, Ariz. (near Tucson) in what is commonly referred to as "Optics Valley." This new design center will provide diode laser packaging designs and will leverage the workforce that joined Oclaro as a result of the company's acquisition of the Newport Spectra Physics laser diode business in July 2009.

"The Tucson area is recognized as a hub of innovation for the optical industry," said Scott Dunbar, General Manager of High Power Laser Diode Portfolio for Oclaro. "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."

Oclaro had acquired the Tucson-based Newport Spectra Physics laser diode business in July 2009 through a strategic exchange of assets with Newport. Oclaro says it now delivers the industry's most expansive line of high-powered laser diodes, while also achieving lower costs and higher operating efficiencies through economies of scale, greater factory utilization and its assembly and test manufacturing capabilities in Asia.

"Our customers want to partner with a laser supplier that has the expertise they need to help get designs to market quickly and cost effectively," said Yves LeMaitre, Executive Vice President and Division Manager at Oclaro. "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. 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 a world-class leader such as Oclaro."

The new Tucson Design Center will initially employ approximately 30 people, and is part of Oclaro's Advanced Photonics Solutions Division (APS) as a Technology Center of Innovation for Oclaro's high-powered laser diode products. The APS Division will be serving as markets for laser diodes, such as lasers for medical procedures, materials processing, consumer electronics and printing.