Tucson, Ariz. - Oclaro Inc., a provider of optical communications and laser solutions, has opened its new Design Center in Oro Valley, Ariz. (near Tucson) in what is commonly referred to as "Optics Valley." The new center will provide global customers with specialized diode laser packaging designs, leveraging the significant local optical expertise in the Tucson region, as well as the talented workforce that joined Oclaro as a result of the company's acquisition of the Newport Spectra Physics laser diode business in July 2009.
Oclaro acquired the Tucson-based Newport Spectra Physics high-powered laser diode business through a strategic exchange of assets with Newport. As a result, Oclaro now delivers an 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. The acquisition also expanded Oclaro's customer base in medical and industrial markets.
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 serves the diverse and fast-growing markets for laser diodes, such as lasers for medical procedures, materials processing, consumer electronics. and printing.
"The Tucson area is recognized as a hub of innovation for the optical industry," said Scott Dunbar, GM of the 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 has also completed its consolidation of the former Tucson wafer fabrication facility into the company's fabs in Caswell, England, and Zurich, Switzerland.