The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that OFS Fitel, LLC, manufacturer of optical fiber products, will create 200 jobs and invest $138.9 million in the expansion of 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, along with the greater digitization of communications in business, are creating the need for fiber in the 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, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power and Carroll EMC.

“We are fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with OFS that provides them assurances of a quality workforce and local partnerships that make doing business in Carroll County a win-win proposition,” stated Daniel Jackson, President-CEO of Carroll Tomorrow. “As an industry leader with global expansion options, we are proud OFS made the decision to continue their investment in Carroll County.”