nLight Continues its Rapid Growth with Acquisition of Fiber Manufacturer

nLight of the US has announced the acquisition of Liekki, the Finnish fiber manufacturer. The acquisition, which will be completed by the end of the month, will enable nLight to expand its product portfolio to supply a complete chain from semiconductor lasers and fibers to optical modules.

"Diodes and fibers are complementary technologies that are critical for the future of our industry," Scott Keaney, president and CEO of nLight, told optics.org. "We are currently working in close partnership with customers to develop new OEM products and we will be announcing new products next year."

Liekki sees the acquisition as a growth opportunity. "It was the right time. We had taken the company as far as we could without a substantial partner," William Willson, managing director of Liekki, told optics.org. "We saw this acquisition as a way we could grow faster."

"In terms of Liekki's business we will continue to support our current product strategy of selling active fibers globally as well as optical engines and simulation software," he continued. "Laser diodes and active fibers are two key products used in fiber laser modules and fiber amplifier modules so we will explore how to develop each product area to create unique benefits to customers."

Although Keaney and Willson did not disclose how much the acquisition was worth, they confirm that both sites will be maintained. Willson believes that Liekki's fundamental business will remain relatively unchanged and no job losses are expected. "The Liekki brand will remain, as will the Liekki sites," said Willson. "We expect investment within Finland with its fiber facility becoming nLight's fiber centre of excellence."

According to nLight, the semiconductor and fiber laser market is rapidly growing and nLight is the fastest growing company within the semiconductor laser market. "This is a very important acquisition that integrates core technology for the rapidly growing markets," said Keeney. "Combining the nLight and Liekki product portfolios will bring compelling solutions to our industry."