FAQ5: Many optical component companies manufacture their products overseas, (typically in China) in order to reduce costs. Why does Lightwaves2020 keep its manufacturing facilities in the US?

The manufacture of optical components is more labor intensive than most other products, such as semiconductors, because automated equipment and processes are neither available nor feasible with current technology. Moving manufacturing facilities overseas to countries such as China, where labor costs are lower, would seem to be the ideal solution to minimizing costs. Unfortunately, this comes at the risk of interrupted innovation, stagnant technology and poor product quality.

We maintain our R&D, testing and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. where we can closely monitor every step of the production process side-by-side with our customers to ensure the highest product quality, most-up-to-date technology, and total customer satisfaction. In addition, by using top-of-the-line precision equipment and proprietary packaging technology, we are able to streamline the production process, optimize performance and reduce costs.