Corning Increasing Production of Thin Film Filters Used In Optical Networks - Company Operations

Cambridge Telcom Report, Jan 31, 2000

Corning Incorporated announced Thursday it is increasing the manufacturing capability of its Marlborough, MA, facility, in order to expand and enhance the company's ability to produce the thin film optical filters and photonic devices used in advanced, broadband communications networks.

As a result of the expansion, Corning will increase shipments of 200 GHz and 100 GHz thin film filter-based Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) devices. Corning said the additional capacity is necessary to meet increasing market demand for its photonic components.

The expansion includes new equipment and technology for DWDM thin-film filter manufacturing. The new equipment, coupled with other process improvements, is expected to increase the plant's filter production by ten times over its current capability. The on-going increase in throughput is expected to be fully on line in the second half of 2000.

"This latest expansion is further evidence of Corning's investment in optical components," said Gerry Fine, vice president and general manager of Corning's Photonic Technologies Division. "We are committed to being a world-leading `optical layer' company," Fine continued, "an integrated supplier of a broad range of photonic and opto-electronic products that will enable the development and eventual deployment of the all optical network."

Established in 1851, Corning Incorporated designs and manufactures leading-edge technologies and components for the fastest-growing markets of the world's economy. Corning manufactures optical fiber, cable and photonic products for the telecommunications industry, and high-performance displays and components for television and other communications-related industries. The company also uses advanced materials to manufacture products for scientific, semiconductor and environmental markets. Corning's revenues in 1999 were $4.3 billion. More information on the company is available at www.corning.com.