Copenhagen – – September 21, 2026 -- Lightera has committed major capital to expand submarine optical fiber manufacturing in Denmark and the United States, a move set to nearly triple production capacity by 2029.
Lightera targets tripled output to meet surging subsea bandwidth demand
The expansion covers Lightera's manufacturing centers in Brøndby, Denmark, and Norcross, Georgia, which supply optical fiber for undersea communications networks worldwide. Company CEO Holly Hulse said the investment secures existing customer commitments while preparing capacity for future submarine cable programs.
AI infrastructure and hyperscale data centers drive fiber demand
Lightera attributes the capacity build-out to accelerating investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, hyperscale data centers, cloud computing, and global network expansion. The company's direct ties to submarine cable manufacturers and hyperscale operators give it early visibility into demand roughly a year ahead of cable deployment, since optical fiber is typically purchased about 12 months before installation.
Multicore fiber deployment expected in 2029-2030
The expansion also positions Lightera for commercialization of multicore fiber (MCF), with initial submarine deployments targeted for the 2029-2030 window. Hulse said the technology will significantly increase transmission capacity to support future global connectivity demands.
Hulse described the Denmark and U.S. investment as part of a broader series of strategic moves across Lightera's global manufacturing footprint aimed at expanding capacity and advancing next-generation optical technologies.