Lightera to boost submarine optical fiber manufacturing capacity

Lightera, the US-headquartered maker of optical fiber, says that it is aiming to ‘nearly’ triple capacity for submarine networking applications by 2029.

The Furukawa Electric subsidiary is planning a significant capital investment to expand its fiber manufacturing operations in both Denmark and the US, in response to demand driven by AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, cloud computing, and global network expansion.

The firm points out that its direct relationships with submarine cable manufacturers and hyperscalers provide it with early visibility into future demand and technology trends, as optical fiber is typically purchased around one year before cables are actually deployed.

Global expansion plans

Lightera’s CEO Holly Hulse, appointed earlier this year, noted: “As demand for global bandwidth continues to accelerate, the industry will require both greater manufacturing capacity and next-generation optical technologies.

“This major expansion reflects our confidence in the long-term future of submarine communications and enables us to deliver both. It is part of a broader series of strategic investments Lightera is making across our global manufacturing footprint to expand capacity, advance next-generation technologies and support long-term customer demand.

Hulse added that the latest expansion would also focus on the commercialization of multicore fiber (MCF), with initial submarine deployments of that more advanced optical fiber technology anticipated in the 2029–2030 timeframe.

"By expanding capacity today while preparing for multicore fiber, we are ensuring Lightera remains the partner of choice for customers building the next generation of global communications infrastructure," added the CEO. MCF is expected to significantly increase transmission capacity to support future global connectivity.

The planned expansion is set to take place at Lightera’s facilities in Brøndby, Denmark, and Norcross, Georgia, which serve as the firm’s global manufacturing centers for submarine optical fiber.

Nokia and Hakusan

In May Lightera announced a major collaboration with telecommunications giant Nokia intended to expand the adoption of optical local area network (LAN) solutions for enterprises across Europe.

The firms plan to combine Lightera’s expertise in passive optical infrastructure with Nokia's passive optical network technology, thus modernizing and future-proofing customers’ connectivity infrastructure.

Meanwhile Hakusan, a member of the Lightera group that specializes in fiber connectors, is to invest approximately ￥5 billion ($32 million) to construct a new manufacturing facility in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

The new plant is scheduled to begin operations in April 2028, and will support increasing global demand for next-generation very-small-form-factor connectors that are expected to find growing use in AI-driven data center applications.