Oclaro opens diode laser design center in Tucson area

SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 -- Oclaro, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCLR) has opened a new design center in Oro Valley, AZ, near Tucson. The new center will provide global customers with specialized diode laser packaging designs, leveraging local optical expertise as well as 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 acquired the Tucson-based Newport Spectra Physics high-powered laser diode business in July 2009 through a strategic exchange of assets with Newport (see "Oclaro trades New Focus to Newport for high-power laser diode assets and cash"). The acquisition expanded Oclaro's customer base to include customers in the medical and industrial markets, among others.

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.

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