Gwinnett, February 7, 2018 – Partnership Gwinnett in conjunction with The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that OFS Fitel, LLC (OFS), manufacturer of optical fiber products, will create 200 jobs and invest $138.9 million in the expansion at both their Norcross and Carrollton facilities.
“It is always a win when an existing industry commits to an expansion, but what makes this announcement even more impactful that is that OFS is creating job opportunities at two facilities in the state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Congratulations to both Gwinnett and Carroll County. OFS has been an incredible corporate citizen and I am excited for their continued commitment to Georgia.”
OFS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese parent company, Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. In 2017 Furukawa Electric announced plans to nearly double its 2016 optical fiber manufacturing capacity by 2019 and to increase its optical fiber cable manufacturing capacity. Japan is a leading investor nation in Georgia, ranking first among Georgia’s international investors based on total dollar value of investments, and third based on total number of facilities.
“The proliferation of hyper-scale and edge data centers, 5G wireless, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), along with the greater digitization of communications in business, are creating the need for fiber in Georgia and around the world,” said Timothy F. Murray, head of the Global Optical Fiber and Cable business of Furukawa Electric and CEO of OFS. “Furukawa Electric is responding with greater capacity, which you can see with the expansions and employment growth in Norcross and Carrollton. We foresee this demand continuing into the next decade with communication traffic estimated to increase during this period.”
“OFS’ expansion in Gwinnett is a direct reflection of our superior workforce and business friendly climate,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chair Charlotte Nash. “We are proud that global leaders, like OFS, continue to invest in Gwinnett and we look forward to the company’s continued success.”
GDEcD director of Existing Industry & Regional Recruitment Lindsay Martin represented the Global Commerce division in collaboration with Partnership Gwinnett and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power and Carroll EMC.
“The expansion of OFS is great news for the district and an indicator of what’s to come in this area,” said Gateway85 CID Executive Director Marsha Anderson Bomar. “The increase in jobs and investment in the CID is an asset to our growing economic base and we’re excited for the company’s future growth in our community.”
“Global-leaders like OFS play a vital role in Gwinnett’s economy because their products and services are supporting the jobs and industry of tomorrow.” said Partnership Gwinnett’s Senior Director of Economic Development Andrew Carnes. “We look forward to assisting in any way we can to ensure the company’s continued success.”
