Furukawa Electric and Lightera Announce New Optical Cable Manufacturing Plant in Mie and Full-Scale Production of Ultra-High Fiber Count Cables

Tokyo — March 12, 2026 – Furukawa Electric and Lightera announced the opening of a new optical cable manufacturing plant in Mie, Japan, in February along with the start of full-scale production of ultra-high-fiber-count optical cables, including cable designs with up to 13824 fibers, to support rapidly growing global demand driven by data center and digital infrastructure expansion. The investment expands production capacity and strengthens supply capability across Lightera’s optical cable operations.

The new facility is purpose-built to manufacture high-fiber-count optical cables for hyperscale, high-density, and next-generation network environments. The plant significantly increases production scale, operational efficiency, and supply reliability for customers across data center, telecommunications, and enterprise infrastructure markets worldwide.

“This new manufacturing plant and the start of full-scale production of ultra-high-fiber-count cables represent an important step in strengthening our ability to respond quickly to fast-growing market demand,” said Shinji Asao, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Optical Solutions Division at Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. “Hyperscale and AI-driven infrastructure environments require advanced fiber technology and consistent manufacturing quality at scale. Through Lightera’s expanded capabilities, we are well-positioned to support customers with reliable supply and leading optical cable solutions.”

Global optical connectivity demand is being driven by hyperscale data centers and AI clusters that require significantly higher fiber counts per route, tighter pathway utilization, and faster infrastructure turn-up. The Mie facility supports scalable manufacturing of ultra-high-fiber-count cables designed to increase fibers per cable and reduce pathway congestion, enabling more efficient routing, installation, and long-term network reliability.

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions. Built on a legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.

With operational headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera serves customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets.

Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a pioneer in advancing the next generation of infrastructure through integrated solutions in connectivity, information, energy, and mobility, to create a safe, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Please visit www.Lightera.com

Lightera PR Contact:

Sherry Salyer

Sherry.salyer@lightera.com