On Nov. 17, Viavi Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAV) announced the opening of its new optical production facility in Chandler, Arizona. The company said it has added to U.S manufacturing capacity as it has grown its presence in the state, including the move of its global headquarters.
Viavi’s new production facility in Chandler features the manufacturer's most modern and efficient optical coating capabilities. The company is a global specialist in network test, monitoring, and assurance platforms for communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, government, and avionics. Viavi is also a provider of light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, and defense applications.
In seeking a new facility to operate its sophisticated equipment, the company said it found that Arizona provides the ideal conditions for long-term, sustainable growth, including a business-friendly environment, a high quality of life at a reasonable cost, and a strong base of talent.
Supporting a rich variety of optics companies, Viavi maintains Arizona has long attracted the best and brightest of the optics industry. And since preparations to move its global headquarters from California began in 2021, the company noted it has already made significant contributions to the Arizona business and technology community.
Viavi's president and CEO, Oleg Khaykin, has been elected to the Greater Phoenix Leadership organization. The company has also established a scholarship at the world-renowned Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona.
Thomas Koch, dean and professor, Wyant College of Optical Sciences, commented:
“We’re thrilled to see optics heavyweights like Viavi investing in Optics Valley. We see a bright future together, and look forward to doing our part in talent generation and research innovations to grow the optics ecosystem here in Arizona.”
The company has also contributed to the city of Chandler’s reclaimed water program.
To mark the completion of the new production facility and global headquarters, Viavi held a grand opening in Chandler on November 10. The plant’s opening was hailed as a boon for the local economy, representing an initial capital infusion of nearly $100 million, with a further $50 million expected to be generated in payroll taxes for local and state governments following the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke remarked:
“Advanced manufacturing is in Chandler’s DNA and we are thrilled to welcome the latest addition with Viavi. It has been a pleasure working with the Viavi team as they have built out their new manufacturing facility and relocated their headquarters to Chandler. Viavi and Chandler are a perfect match and we wish them many years of success in our community.”
Viavi generated $1.3 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2022 and has more than 3,600 employees in 50 locations throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific/Japan/China.
Viavi CEO Oleg Khaykin concluded:
“Viavi is a global company in every sense of the word. That means setting up in key locations around the world is critical to our success, and we’re always sure to contribute to the communities in which we operate. Establishing a major hub in Chandler, Arizona, will not only expand our involvement in the local optics ecosystem but ramp up our U.S. manufacturing capabilities considerably.”
