THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Coherent II-VI Laser Enterprise Phils., Inc. is looking to expand its Philippine manufacturing operation.
PEZA cited Coherent’s plans to “strengthen the Philippines’ role in the global supply chain for photonics, optical communications, advanced materials, and semiconductor-related technologies.”
Coherent has invested about P1.7 billion in its Philippine operations as a PEZA locator since 2014.
Its production facilities in Calamba, Laguna, and Rosario, Cavite support specialized manufacturing in photonics, precision materials, semiconductor laser technologies, and other optoelectronic products.
Coherent is also a key player in optical technologies for high-speed connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data centers, including optical transceivers, semiconductor lasers, and related components.
“During the meeting, the company presented prospects for further scaling its Philippine operations, supported by technology transfer from its global network and expanded advanced manufacturing capabilities,” PEZA said.
AI and data center expansions are driving global demand for high-speed, efficient optical connectivity.
Coherent’s possible expansion could help the Philippines capture investment in higher-value technology manufacturing, PEZA said.
Coherent maintains manufacturing and research and development, sales, service and distribution operations in over 20 countries.
Its portfolio includes lasers, optical and optoelectronic components, transceivers, modules and systems, and engineered materials for data center, communications, semiconductor, industrial manufacturing, electronics, and instrumentation applications. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz