Lightera Announces Major Capital Investment to Expand Submarine Optical Fiber Manufacturing

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightera today announced a major capital investment to expand its submarine optical fiber manufacturing operations in Denmark and the United States, reinforcing its commitment to meeting the rapidly growing global demand for submarine communications infrastructure. The expansion will nearly triple manufacturing capacity by 2029, ensuring reliable supply for existing customer commitments and future submarine cable programs.

The investment reflects continued strength in the submarine optical fiber market, driven by accelerating investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, cloud computing, and global network expansion. Lightera's direct relationships with submarine cable manufacturers and hyperscale companies provide early visibility into future demand and technology trends, as optical fiber is typically purchased approximately one year before cable deployment.

"As demand for global bandwidth continues to accelerate, the industry will require both greater manufacturing capacity and next-generation optical technologies," said Holly Hulse, Chief Executive Officer of Lightera. "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. 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."

The expansion also positions Lightera for the commercialization of multicore fiber (MCF), with initial submarine deployments expected in the 2029–2030 timeframe. This next-generation technology will significantly increase transmission capacity to support future global connectivity.

Lightera's facilities in Brøndby, Denmark, and Norcross, Georgia, United States, serve as the company's global manufacturing centers for submarine optical fiber, supplying high-performance optical fiber for some of the world's most demanding undersea communications networks.

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions. Built on a legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.

With operational headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera serves customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets.

Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a pioneer in advancing the next generation of infrastructure through integrated solutions in connectivity, information, energy, and mobility, to create a safe, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Please visit www.Lightera.com

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SOURCE Lightera, LLC