New agreement with Vecima to manufacture Entra® Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) expected to create new jobs and additional investment in MARA USA’s Michigan facility
Toronto, ON – 2024-02-15 – Today MARA Technologies USA Inc. (MARA USA), an innovative manufacturer and distributor and part of Invotek Group Inc. (Invotek), announces a U.S. manufacturing agreement with Vecima Networks Inc. (Vecima) for certain of its Entra® Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) Optical Line Terminals (OLTs). This agreement will enable Vecima to align with U.S. manufacturing requirements under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and is expected to add approximately 100 skilled positions at the MARA USA facility in Holly, Michigan.
The BEAD program, established under the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), aims to bridge the digital divide by promoting equitable broadband access and deployment across the U.S.
MARA USA has agreed to manufacture Vecima FTTP OLTs. Fiber OLTs are key components in passive optical networks (PONs). They serve as central devices in telecommunications networks, aggregating and managing data traffic from multiple customer premises. OLTs convert electrical signals to optical signals for efficient transmission over fiber optics, playing a crucial role in delivering high-speed and reliable broadband connectivity in residential and business environments.
“We are very pleased to work with the Vecima team to start production of certain Entra® FTTP OLTs in our state-of-the-art Michigan facility. Together, Invotek and Vecima will not only help to bring broadband to every corner of the U.S., but we will also create a substantial number of highly skilled jobs,” said Peter Schmied, COO and President of Invotek. “We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Vecima.”
“We value Invotek as a partner with a reputation for quality and technology that meshes perfectly with our ‘Power in connectivity’ strategy and philosophy. Working with this U.S. manufacturer, Vecima will continue to deliver innovative flexible optical line terminals (OLTs) that help deliver high-speed broadband to all communities,” said Clay McCreery, Chief Operating Officer of Vecima.
The agreement between Invotek and Vecima will enable Vecima to satisfy the proposed Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements for Fiber OLTs under the BEAD Program, which requires U.S. domestic manufacturing for BEAD funded projects. The focus is to stimulate domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and foster economic growth while advancing infrastructure development across the United States.
“More good-paying manufacturing jobs are coming to mid-Michigan! It is great to see Vecima Networks and MARA USA expand and hire new skilled workers in Holly,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “New laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are boosting American manufacturing and expanding access to high-speed broadband internet. I will continue to fight for Buy America laws that help grow our economy and create jobs.”
“We’re proud that Michigan is playing an important role in bringing high-speed broadband to people all over the United States, providing opportunity for people both in our state and across America,” said state Representative Mike Mueller. “In Holly and across Michigan, we’re creating jobs that are making our communities and families stronger. We’re happy to welcome the growth created by Vecima and MARA USA.”
“After the first product launch and ramp-up activities, we’re forecasting we’ll create up to 100 high-technology circuit board manufacturing, assembly, and testing jobs,” said Jeff Gary, Vice President of Operations, Invotek and General Manager, MARA USA.
This manufacturing agreement with Vecima is another significant milestone for MARA USA’s new Michigan facility. MARA USA had originally invested $27 million in land, building, and equipment, and with today’s announcement pledges to invest $3.5 million in additional equipment and $6.5 million toward building an expansion to better support third-party logistics (3PL).
MARA USA remains committed to superior customer service and trusted expertise and looks forward to a future in which “We are your factory. Made in USA.”
Learn more about this and other developments from Invotek Group.
About Vecima Networks
Vecima Networks Inc. (TSX: VCM) is leading the global evolution to the multi-gigabit, content-rich networks of the future. Our talented people deliver future-ready software, services, and integrated platforms that power broadband and video streaming networks, monitor and manage transportation, and transform experiences in homes, businesses, and everywhere people connect. We help our customers evolve their networks with cloud-based solutions that deliver groundbreaking speed, superior video quality, and exciting new services to their subscribers. There is power in connectivity – it enables people, businesses, and communities to grow and thrive. Learn more at vecima.com.
About Invotek Group Inc.
Invotek Group Inc. supports OEMs through its manufacturing and engineering centers in the United States, Canada, and China. Invotek’s strategy is to work with customers to develop and engineer world-class processes that deliver optimized performance in cost and quality. We do this through in-depth, open-book, collaborative efforts with your design and engineering teams that ensures we become “Your Factory”. We have a long history with broadband electronics manufacturing and over the past twenty years have developed world-class capabilities with IoT product development and power management systems for the Electric Vehicle market. For more information, visit Invotek at invotekgroup.com.
Forward-looking statements
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Further information
Jackie Kubica
Invotek Group Inc.
jackiekubica@invotekinc.com
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