Ciena adds domestic manufacturing through expanded agreement with Flex

Ciena (CIEN) is adding domestic manufacturing through an expanded agreement with global diversified manufacturer Flex (FLEX). Ciena is expected to begin production of the industry’s first pluggable optical line terminals (OLTs) as well as its optical network units, or ONU, at a Flex factory in the U.S. in mid-2024. Ciena’s investments will support the U.S. government’s Broadband Equity Adoption and Deployment, or BEAD, projects, create new jobs and help broadband service providers comply with the Build America, Buy America requirements. Under the terms of the agreement, Flex will provide advanced manufacturing capabilities, including specialized optical transceiver assembly, and supply chain services, enabling Ciena to quickly ramp high-volume production of its innovative pluggable OLTs and ONUs at scale. This U.S. expansion builds on a 20-year global relationship. As a result of its partnership with Flex, Ciena is positioned to enable U.S. network providers with greater ability to leverage the BEAD program to expand their local footprint and business opportunities.