Fujitsu expands in Texas, Semtech in China

By Matthew Miller, Editor in Chief, EDN.com -- Electronic News, 7/25/2008

Fujitsu Network Communications announced today that it will add 67 jobs in its Richardson, Texas, headquarters in order to better serve its demanding optical-networking customers.

Specifically, the company will transfer manufacturing of its Flashwave 4500 MSPP (multiservice provisioning platform) and Flashwave 7500 ROADM (reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer) from Japan to its Richardson headquarters. In addition, manufacturing of broadband and fiber access products will relocated from Europe to Texas, according to the company.

The company said the moves, to be completed by year's end, will improve its ability to meet highly variable global demand by centralizing production capabilities. The 67 jobs will include "professional" and production positions, according to the company. Fujitsu employs about 1500 on its 143-acre Richardson campus.

Meanwhile, Camarillo, CA-based Semtech is making an offshore move—but for similar customer-satisfaction reasons. The maker of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors will open a design center in Shenzhen, China, that by matching the technical capabilities of its US headquarters will demonstrate the company's commitment to the China market, according to a statement.

The center will provide design and application support for the company's protection, power-management, and communications and sensing products. A full laboratory will offer extensive testing capabilities and ESD (electrostatic discharge) consultancy. And engineers at the facility will participate in developing ultralow-power applications and reference designs, according to the company.